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Large Framed Japanese Embroidery Dragon Tapestry

Offered by: Tishu

Description
An impressive Japanese embroidery tapestry circa 1890s Meiji period, presented with brocade border on linen canvas in a lucite shadow box. The stunning design features three dragons coiling and flying in the clouds. The high relief technique used to render the dragons using mostly the silver threads gives this piece a tremendous sense of motion. The most auspicious mythological creature in Japan and China, dragons were a very popular motif in textile art. In this particular piece, it is the impressive size, the superb craftsmanship, the profuse use of silver threads and near perfect condition that 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 Japonisme 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 likely this estate piece was from one of the expositions based on its high quality.
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.

More Information

Origin:	Japan
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Textile, wood and lucite frame
Condition:	Good. The textile is in very fine antique condition without obvious losses or fading. Lucite shadow box shows some age-related wear, expected, not distracting.
Creation Date:	1890s
Styles / Movements:	Bespoke, Asian, Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	330978

Dimensions

W.	63 in;	H.	84 in;	D.	3 in;
W.	160.02 cm;	H.	213.36 cm;	D.	7.62 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