Textile

Art Historical Context

This delicate 3 × 3-inch woven textile from 19th-century Japan offers a glimpse into the refined artistry of the late Edo and early Meiji. Produced by an unknown artisan, it exemplifies the precision and skill inherent in Japanese textile traditions, where weaving was both a practical craft and a form of aesthetic expression. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1909 and now housed in the Metropolitan Museum Art's Asian Art Department, this small square likely served as a sample, patch, or accessory, highlighting the portability and versatility of such miniatures in everyday Japanese life. Wov...