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Massive Japanese Embroidery Tapestry Display Box Meiji Period

Offered by: Tishu

Description
A massive Japanese embordered tapestry professionally displayed in a custom acrylic shadow box. The fine work of textile art is dated to 1890-1920s, late Meiji (1868-1912) or possibly Taisho (1912-1926) era.
Presented with brocade border on linen canvas and finely worked in colored silk and metallic threads, the design features a mythical scene with two of the most beloved creatures in Japanese culture. On the upper part, it showcases a rising phoenix in flight with fully spread wings among swirling clouds. Below the auspicious bird, a kirin with impressive golden furs looks up on a rocky shore, all on a greenish-grey ground arrayed with white clouds.
The piece is a tour-de-force work of art. The high relief technique using a combination of gold and silver threads with different sheen and shades renders the piece a tremendous sense of dimension. Its impressive size, the superb craftsmanship and near perfect condition set it apart. 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 fueled 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. It is most likely this estate piece was from one of the expositions based on its high quality and well-preserved condition.
For two similar tapestries featuring Pheonix and Kirin see the example in "Threads of silk and gold ornamental textile from Meiji Japan Ashmolean", figure 5 and 6 on page 94-95.
Re-envisioning Japan Meiji Fine Art Textile, John E. Vollmer, Illustration on page 181.
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.

More Information

Origin:	Japan
Period:	1900-1919
Materials:	textile, silk, brocade, lucite
Condition:	Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Fine antique textile condition, framed in an acrylic shadow box, expected slight surface wear and minor fabric folding mark and undulation due to the nature of the materials.
Creation Date:	1890-1910s
Styles / Movements:	Bespoke, Asian, Traditional
Patterns:	Animal/Insects, Asian/Oriental, Handmade
Incollect Reference #:	525438

Dimensions

W.	66 in;	H.	97 in;	D.	1.8 in;
W.	167.64 cm;	H.	246.38 cm;	D.	4.57 cm;

Message from Seller:

Tishu, based in Atlanta, GA, offers a diverse collection ranging from Neolithic art to 20th-century collectibles, with a focus on Mid-century design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian textiles, and Contemporary Aboriginal art. Driven by a passion for timeless beauty, the gallery is open by appointment only and offers works that span 5,000 years of history. Reach them at 305-400-0561 or tishu@tishugallery.com.