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Large Framed Japanese Embroidery Tapestry

Offered by: Tishu

Description
An exquisite Japanese embroidery textile displayed in a gilt frame circa 1900s, end of Meiji Period. The elaborately crafted textile was made as a hanging tapestry and was made to meet the demand of the western market during the exposition period, when Japanese art took the west by storm and inspired awes and imagination. The textile showcases an eagle perched on a stone outcrop at the edge of a body of water. One of the most beloved animals widely portrayed in many Japanese art forms, the eagle was very realistically depicted as if it is about to take flight with the wings spread widely open. An gnarled old pine tree occupies a quarter of the top right in the picture, providing a classic backdrop for the majestic bord. The waves of the water recede gradually into the distance. Water grasses sway by the rocks while a flock of small bird provides a comparison with the shear size of the winged eagle.
Although the composition and the subject manner was classically oriental, reminiscent of Chinese and Japanese ink painting, the expertly execution of the piece, however, clearly bears the western taste in mind. The artisans gave a very realistic rendition of the bird in its anatomy, motion and physical details such as the feathers and talons. Also they created a three dimensional depth that was found typically in western landscape painting. This "East Meet West" aesthetic was quite unique during 1890s-1920s when Japanese art was discovered through many exposes around the world. The demand of the Japanese decorative art by the west further brought the feedback to the Japanese artisans who were fast to fine tune their craft to the newly found market.
The authorship of this wonderful tapestry is uncertain. Several prominent textile studios/houses such as Nishimura Sozaemon, Lida Shinshichi and Kawashima Jinbei were possible candidates as they all participated in many expositions in Europe and America in early 1900s. It is possible that the tapestry was procured through one of these expositions. Among them, Nishimura is well known for creating large tapestry featuring animals in a realistic manner.
For a similar tapestries of the eagle subject, see page 105-107 of Thread of Silk and Gold, Ornamental Textile from Meiji Japan by Ashmolean.
The textile image within the frame is 65.5"H x 40"W. With frame the piece measures 76"H x 51"W.

More Information

Origin:	Japan
Period:	1900-1919
Materials:	Silk, textile and wood frame
Condition:	Good. Minor wear and strayed threads on the tapestry, small wrinkles as expected. Old gilt wood frame with lucite has a slight warp and reinforced on the corner with epoxy and touch up, stable to use as it is but can benefits from an update.
Creation Date:	1900-1910s
Styles / Movements:	Bespoke, Asian, Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	365665

Dimensions

W.	51 in;	H.	76 in;	D.	2 in;
W.	129.54 cm;	H.	193.04 cm;	D.	5.08 cm;

Message from Seller:

Our collection ranges from Neolithic Art to 20th century collectible art and design. It spans 5000 thousand years of history and crosses many civilizations and cultures. Our aesthetic strongholds are Mid-century studio design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian Textile Art and Contemporary Aboriginal Art. The diversity is united behind our singular vision to seek for timeless beauty and driven purely by our passion

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