Showrooms

Large Japanese Embroidery Tapestry Meiji Period

Offered by: Tishu

Description
A large and finely embroidered Japanese tapestry with brocade border circa 1900s Meiji period. The tapestry depicts, in a rather realistic style, a forested landscape in autumn flanking a meandering river. Within the landscape, groups of foxes are hunting wild geese. The center group depicts the exact moment when one bird is being caught. The tapestry was done entirely with different techniques of embroidery and it shows the hunting scene in the natural setting with astonishing details and dimensional sense. This type of large embroidery panels were made to meet the demand of the western market during the exposition period at the beginning of 20th century, when Japanese art from Meiji period took the west by storm and inspired awes and imagination.
Interestingly, this particular piece appears to be heavily influenced by the tapestries from the west, many of which depict idyllic natural scene with animals and often include hunting events. Although many elements such as the swaying grasses, trees with autumn leaves represent classic Japanese motifs of embroidery work, the subject manner and the emphasis on dimensional depth that was found typically in western landscape painting clearly show that it was made for export to the western market. 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 piece with similar landscape by Matsunaga & Co, see page 156 of Thread of silk and gold, ornamental textile from Meiji Japan by Ashmolean.
The embroidery panel is 44.5"w by 68"h. It measures 56.5" by 80 with the brocade border. The backing is a beautiful woven green brocade as shown.

More Information

Origin:	Japan
Period:	1900-1919
Materials:	Silk and brocade
Condition:	Good. Unframed. The embroidered panel is of fine condition. The brocade border has some general frays, also small tears and resewing mostly on top edge and corners due to the previous hanging display. Wear consistent with age and use.
Creation Date:	1900s
Styles / Movements:	Bespoke, Asian, Traditional
Patterns:	Animal/Insects, Asian/Oriental, Handmade
Incollect Reference #:	392436

Dimensions

W.	56.5 in;	H.	80 in;	D.	0.1 in;
W.	143.51 cm;	H.	203.2 cm;	D.	0.25 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