A.W. Johnston & Co. Antiques Textiles

An impressive Japanese embroidery tapestry circa 1890s Meiji period, presented with brocade border on linen canvas in a Lucite shadow box. The stunning design features three dragons coiling and flying in the clouds. The high relief technique used to render the dragons using mostly the silver threads gives this piece a tremendous sense of motion. The most auspicious mythological creature in Japan and China, dragons were a very popular motif in textile art. In this particular piece, it is the impressive size, the superb craftsmanship, the profuse use of silver threads and near perfect condition that set it apart. 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. It is likely this estate piece was from one of the expositions based on its high quality. For two similar dragon tapestries...

An impressive early 20th century Chinese silk kesi panel measuring 74 x 40 inches, finely woven with vibrant and detailed imagery of immortals and atte...

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...

A spectacular Japanese embroidered silk panel beautifully presented in a gilt frame suspended in a lucite shadow box with gilt wood border. The silk picture is dated to 1890-1910s toward the end of Meiji Period, when Japanese started to participate international expose by presenting its best art and craft. Elaborate embroidered silk tapestry like this was very popular among westerners due to its superb craftmanship and also exotic subject matter that was often derived from classic Japanese folklore, mythology and various motifs. The tapestry on offer is such an example. It depicts an old couple...

Mid 19th Century Silk Chinese Dragon Embroidery ( 1'8" x 4'6" - 51 x 137 )

In the most technical sense of the word, "Suzani," in Central Asia, means needle and is used to describe this type of needlework, but to most people, such as decorators or collectors...

The Uzbek silk embroidery suzani cushion cover is a true masterpiece of textile art, originating from the vibrant and culturally rich region of Uzbekistan. Handcrafted with meticulou...

The unique and beautiful fabric piece, that's called noren - traditional Japanese fabric divider that was made during the Meiji era. This traditional Japanese curtains used to divide...

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 ...

Large antique framed Chinese black silk folk art textile / tapestry panel or table runner embroidered with brown, gold and blue flowers / leaves. ...

A PAIR OF CHINESE SILK EMBROIDERED PANELS 19th Century, Qing Dynasty Each worked to depict a pair of cranes perched atop a leafy branch ...

Large Aubusson style tapestry with an orientalist 19th century scene depicting Arabs figures and Middle Eastern Moorish architecture in the background. Probably a scene in North Afr...