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19th Century Japanese Silk Embroidered Tapestry with Gold Hammered Silk Thread

$80,000List Price

About the Item

Thank you for taking the time to view this magnificent and extremely rare antique Japanese silk embroidered tapestry. This stunning wall hanging consists of two mythical birds facing off. One is standing on an outcrop of rocks with its foot raised, ready for flight. The other is flying toward the first with undulating tail feathers and wings spread wide. Neutral coloured hand dyed silk threads are embroidered in high relief. The colours are beautifully blended and are accented with silver and gold hammered silk threads that shimmer in the light, creating movement and drama. The fabric on the reverse is printed with an abstract rendering of dragons. The tapestry border covers a wood insert at the top from which the piece can be supported when hung. The expert craftsmanship, composition, and size suggests that this was likely an exhibition piece brought to America in the late Meiji period as part of the Japanese government's aim to introduce the West to Japan's culture and artisanship. This piece was acquired in the 1920s in New York for $5000. The family passed it down through the generations, and it was packed away for most of that time. Similar pieces can be found in the Ashmolean Museum's 2013 exhibition of "Threads of Silk and Gold: Ornamental Textiles from Meiji Japan". The mythical birds in this piece are likely hō-ō, also known as the Japanese phoenix, which was the symbol for the imperial household, especially the empress. The phoenix is also a symbol of immortality and of the coming of a new era, which is representative of the Meiji period when increase in trade with the West resulted in growth and prosperity. Note that the border has some fading and separation of threads and fabric in several places and there are several areas where braided cords have detached. The braids can be easily tacked on but the border is fragile and may need restoration.

Dimensions:
Height: 78 in (198.12 cm)Width: 58 in (147.32 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
Style:
Meiji (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Braid,Cord,Fabric,Gold,Hardwood,Metallic Thread,Natural Fiber,Organic Material,Silk,Tapestry,Textile,Thread,Wood,Dyed,Embossed,Embroidered,Gilt,Hand-Crafted,Hand-Knotted,Hand-Woven,Needlework,Silvered,Spun,Woven
Place of Origin:
Japan
Period:
Late 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Unknown
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. This is in prime condition for its age.
Seller Location:
Nova Scotia, CA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU7091229546212

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