Piece

Art Historical Context

This exquisite silk textile fragment, simply titled *Piece*, hails from Japan during the 18th or 19th century—a time when Edo-period craftsmanship flourished alongside the dawn of the Meiji era Measuring just 3¼ x 5¾ inches, its modest size belies the intricate artistry of Japanese woven textiles, likely a remnant from a larger garment like a kim or obi sash. Donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art 1896 by collectors Mr. and Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, it exemplifies the West's growing fascination with Asian arts at the fin de siècle. Crafted in silk on a loom, this piece showcases the technical ...