Framed Japanese Embroidery Dragon Tapestry Meiji Period

A striking Japanese embroidery tapestry circa 1890s Meiji period presented in a gilt wood frame under glaze. The design features four dragons coiling and slithering in the clouds. The most auspicious mythological creature, dragon was a very popular motif in Japanese textile art. Viewing this particular piece, one is struck by the superb craftsmanship with the profuse use of silver threads in satin stitches and complex chain stich coiling that create the background. The slight relief technique was also used on parts of the dragon heads, rendering the piece a strong sense of dimension and motion. The textile itself measures about 32.5"x46".
Japanese Meiji textiles were widely exhibited in the west during turn of the 20th century at the international exposition. It was used to showcase the Japanese aesthetics with the techniques at their pinnacle. These expositions solidified the country's images overseas and felled the Japanese craze in the west, which turned out to be a long-lasting influence on the western art. Many pieces were purchased and stayed in the west. As there is no brocade border present, the piece is likely the main part with the central motifs of a larger tapestry and was later framed for display.
For two similar dragon tapestries see the example in "Threads of silk and gold ornamental textile from Meiji Japan Ashmolean", figure 80 on page 91.
Re-envisioning Japan Meiji Fine Art Textile, John E. Vollmer, page 42-44.
For detailed terminology of embroidery techniques used in this work, please refer to threads of silk and gold ornamental textile from Meiji Japan Ashmolean page 86-87.