circa 1900 Ceremonial Reed Mat, Sumatra, Indonesia

An exceptionally old and fine example of a west timor ikat textile. This particular textile is incredibly old, easily over a century old with a wonderful fading of color and aging th...

A visually striking antique Uchikake Wedding Kimono/Robe for ceremonial occasion, circa end of Meiji to Taisho period 1910s-1930s. This bridal outer garment is of a bright red color ...

An oversized and impressive cape worn during ceremonial dancing by Miao people (also known as Hmong in English) from Guizhou Province, China circa 1940s-1950s in a rarely intact and well-preserved condition. Miao people are diverse minority groups living in Southern China as well as Southeast Asia with complex sub-affiliations based on attires, languages, cultural customs and art tradition. They are renowned for their textile and silver craftsmanship as well as singing and dancing traditions. This cape, rather heavy in construction and striking in bold red and black, was made from wool, hemp and cotton. The surface showcases elongated diamond patterns in complementary woven wool and couched plaque on top of the cotton part. The pattern strikes the viewer with a strong sense of dignity and power. The heavy material and pattern are strangely akin to some of the Navajo weaving. The cape is in a form a jacket with long and wide sleeves, and it was meant to be used in ceremonial occasions. Our research reveals that the piece was from the Northwest Guizhou in an autonomous county called Weining. The area is of subtropical highland and the generally cold weather was reflected in the heavy materials used in this piece, in comparison with other textiles made in the warmer lowland. There is an older paper label with price tag in Chinese inside the cape. It was purchased in Guizhou decades ago by a US collection in MA. With a span of over 94 inches long, it makes a very impressive textile art piece for wall hanging. Not framed and easily shipping folded up. For a similar jacket from Weining, see "Miao Textile...

Made entirely from luxuriant woven brocade (kinran) for the exterior, this Japanese sleeveless jacket is called Jinbaori. Commonly worn by the Samurai warriors during 16th century when warfare was common in feudal Japan, this type of loose jacket, as a surcoat on top the armor, served as an extra protection, and more importantly as an identification in the battlefield with its bright colors and often Mons. In Edo period, the society was stabilized and Jinbaori gradually shifted toward a pure ceremonial function. The jacket on offer was unusual as it was tailored entirely from the bright Chinese brocade...

A visually striking vintage Uchikake Wedding Kimono/Robe for ceremonial occasion, circa 1930s-1950s in the Oriental Art Deco style. The bridal garment...

A striking Indonesian silk kain lawon with a central diamond pattern, Sumatra, Indonesia, late 19th or early 20th century. The ceremonial shawl, call...

An wonderful example of a west timor ikat textile. It is hand-woven using naturally dyed yarns via a method passed on through generations. It features a stunning array of distinct tr...

This enchanting antique tapestry beautifully illustrates the remarkable depth and richness that was perfected by French artisans of the 19th-20th century. A remarkable Tapestry displ...

A wonderful example of a west timor ikat textile. It is hand-woven using naturally dyed yarns via a method passed on through generations. It features a stunning array of distinct tri...

An wonderful example of a west timor ikat textile. It is hand-woven using naturally dyed yarns via a method passed on through generations. It features a stunning array of distinct tr...