2671
3’-10” x 3’-4”
AGE & ORIGIN:
c. 1800
Japan
OVERVIEW:
Two intricate and delicately woven panels of silk and lacquered-paper thread depicting dragons and clouds. While the piece consists of two panels, it’s most likely that these were sewn together some years after the initial work was done, as both contain cotton backings with calligraphy denoting them as having been patronage to a monastic setting.
While the original purpose remains somewhat muddled, it’s possible that they were used as wrappings for utensils or perhaps other gifts, as, once again, the backing calligraphy denotes evidence of the textile as a gift, with receivers of the gift being listed by name.
The execution of the drawing is stunning, especially when one thinks about the painstaking work to achieve this repeating design by hand. The dichotomy of such powerful imagery drawn with such delicate, even fragile material is evocative of the idea of a paper tiger.
A very similar piece exists on display at the Chicago Art Institute:
Fragment of a Temple Hanging
CONDITION:
Fraying in areas
2671
3’-10” x 3’-4”
AGE & ORIGIN:
c. 1800
Japan
OVERVIEW:
Two intricate and delicately woven panels of silk and lacquered-paper thread depicting dragons and clouds. While the piece consists of two panels, it’s most likely that these were sewn together some years after the initial work was done, as both contain cotton backings with calligraphy denoting them as having been patronage to a monastic setting.
While the original purpose remains somewhat muddled, it’s possible that they were used as wrappings for utensils or perhaps other gifts, as, once again, the backing calligraphy denotes evidence of the textile as a gift, with receivers of the gift being listed by name.
The execution of the drawing is stunning, especially when one thinks about the painstaking work to achieve this repeating design by hand. The dichotomy of such powerful imagery drawn with such delicate, even fragile material is evocative of the idea of a paper tiger.
A very similar piece exists on display at the Chicago Art Institute:
Fragment of a Temple Hanging
CONDITION:
Fraying in areas
