Meiji Period Cotton Kappa Rain Cape , Japan

Known in Japanese as Bozugappa (priest's raincoat), this cape-like garment was worn by the travelers in Japan circa late 19th century to early 20th century (end of Meiji period). Derived from the cape worn by the Portuguese missionary, who first arrived in Japan in mid-16th century, this type of cape was originally reserved for the Japanese military...

A striking Japanese embroidery tapestry circa 1890s Meiji period presented in a gilt wood frame under glaze. The design features four dragons coiling and slithering in the clouds. The most auspicious mythological creature, dragon was a very popular motif in Japanese textile art. Viewing this particular piece, one is struck by the superb craftsmanship with the profuse use of silver threads in satin stitches and complex chain stich coiling that create the background. The slight relief technique was also used on parts of the dragon heads, rendering the piece a strong sense of dimension and motion. The textile itself measures about 32.5"x46". 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 felled the Japanese 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. As there is no brocade border present, the piece is likely the main part with the central motifs of a larger tapestry and was later framed for display. For two similar dragon tapestries...

A Japanese silk embroidery Fukusa panel circa 1890-1910s toward the end of Meiji Period. On the deep blue satin background, the artist showcases a clump of bamboos in a realistic sty...

A Japanese silk embroidery Fukusa panel presented in mat and glazed gilt wood frame circa 1890-1910s (end of Meiji Period). The blue silk pane...

A Noh costume made from magnificent silk twill brocade woven with metallic gold threads circa 1930s. The robe is identified as "Atsuita", made for male actors in the Noh play. The luxuriant fabric has a deep blue background with golden interlocking hexagon pattern that resembles tortoise shells, the symbol of longevity. The motifs showcase three auspicious symbols in repetitive patterns: roundels of coiled dragon, phoenix and peony. The kimono robe...

A Japanese Kesa (Monk's Vestment) made from thirteen columns of patchworks of shimmering woven brocades. The elaborate motifs feature repetitive elaborat...

A stunning Japanese embroidery tapestry circa 1880s-1900s from late Meiji period, presented with an original wood frame with inner gold trim. The tour-de-force embroidered tapestry s...

Lovely large Japanese cloisonné enamel charger Meiji Period (1868-1912). Measure: Large 14 inch. Intricate enamel over brass cloisonné portraying a colorful floral and foliage motif...

A framed Japanese woven textile circa late 19th century of Meiji Period. Likely a fragment of a priest robe or kesa, the multi-paneled textile was finely woven with gold foiled threads that depicts a five-clawed dragon slithering in the clouds and water...

A Japanese silk embroidery Fukusa panel circa 1890-1910s toward the end of Meiji Period. The spectacular needlework on this piece is a tour-de-force showcasing a scene from Kabuki th...