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Rare Large Japanese Velvet Yuzen-Birodo Wall Tapestry

About the Item

A large Japanese wall-hanging tapestry made from resistant dye painted cut and uncut velvet (the technique is known as yūzen birodo in Japanese). The tapestry is dated to late Meiji period (circa 1900-1920s) and likely a piece made for exposition in the west based on the size and subject manner. The romantic landscape depicts a wooded lake scenery with wooden sail boats, a lone fisherman and Mount Fuji in the misty distance. The location is one of the five lakes (Fujigoko) surrounding the Mount Fuji (possibly lake Kawaguchiko or Shojiko based on the viewpoint.) The iconic Japanese scene was created in the style of western painting with a strong sense of dimension, which was popular at the turn of 20th century when Japanese traditional art enjoyed an unprecedented exchange with the West. The original woven silk boarder and back remain as well as the loop on the back for displaying. Image size is 57" h x 81.5"w. The invention of Yuzen-Birodo was credited to Nishimura Sozaemon, the famous Kyoto textiles firm in 1868. The velvet was woven by passing the threads over fine metal wires parallel to the weft. The design was painted on the uncut velvet using resistant dye method (Yuzen). Afterward, the fabric was steamed, and the velvet was selectively cut to form the piles. The precise cutting would cleverly achieve a painterly three-dimensional effect that often showcases the light and shadow. The first example of Yuzen-Birodo was exhibited at the Second National Industrial Exhibition in Tokyo in 1881 before it was exhibited in the west. Reference: "Threads of silk and gold, Ornamental Textiles from Meiji Japan" by H. McDermott and C. Pollard, The Oxford Ashmolean Museum Catalogue Exhibition, 2012, pp. 160-169.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 69 in (175.26 cm)Width: 93.5 in (237.49 cm)Depth: 0.1 in (2.54 mm)
  • Style:
    Meiji (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Silk,Velvet,Hand-Woven
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1900-1920s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Fine condition for textile of this nature and age, a couple of subtle spotted stain on the sail, blended in. Original border and backing with hanging loop.
  • Seller Location:
    Atlanta, GA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU945035544912
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