Eastern Art Online, Yousef Jameel Centre for Islamic and Asian Art

Ashmolean − Eastern Art Online, Yousef Jameel Centre for Islamic and Asian Art

Threads of Silk and Gold: Ornamental Textiles from Meiji Japan

(from 9th Nov 2012 until 27th Jan 2013)

Discover exquisite embroideries, dyed silk and velvet panels, tapestries, and appliqué works

Detail of Screen with peacock and peahen, Japan, 1900-c.1910 (Museum no. LI1956.21)
  • This is a visual browsing tool that maps objects in this publication, gallery or collection trail by date of creation onto a timeline. 
  • The circular markers indicate where objects are on the timeline.
    • The size of the markers indicates the relative number of objects at that point on the timeline.
    • Hover over a marker to find out which objects are represented at that point in time.
  • To expand, collapse or hide the timeline, click these symbols found at the top right of the timeline.
  • 1850
  • 1860
  • 1870
  • 1880
  • 1890
  • 1900
  • 1910
  • 1920
  • All Objects

The Japanese love of nature

19th-century Western commentators were enormously impressed by what they perceived as the Japanese love of nature – as expressed in the depiction of everyday plants, birds, fish and insects in Japanese art. This harmony with nature was welcomed as a contrast to the harshness of the industrialised West.

Japanese textile makers were aware of this enthusiasm, and scenes of birds, flowers and landscapes were the most common subjects of textiles made for the foreign market. The leading textile manufacturers were based in Kyoto, home to the Maruyama-Shijō school of painters, who specialised in these subjects. The minute depiction of feathers, petals and leaves in these textiles also appealed to the Victorian appreciation of technical skill.

Peahen on a grassy bank with irises, lilies, and dandelions (LI1956.36.1) Peahen on a grassy bank with irises, lilies, and dandelions (LI1956.36.1)   Peacock in a flowering cherry tree (LI1956.36.2) Peacock in a flowering cherry tree (LI1956.36.2)   Cranes, cycads, and wisteria (EA1958.81) Cranes, cycads, and wisteria (EA1958.81)
Eagle attacking a family of monkeys on stylized rocks (LI1956.25.1) Eagle attacking a family of monkeys on stylized rocks (LI1956.25.1)   Peacock and peahen on rocks beside a waterfall with peonies (LI1956.25.2) Peacock and peahen on rocks beside a waterfall with peonies (LI1956.25.2)   Peacock and peahen with cherry blossom and peonies (LI1956.37) Peacock and peahen with cherry blossom and peonies (LI1956.37)
Notice

Objects from past exhibitions may have now returned to our stores or a lender. Click into an individual object record to confirm whether or not an object is currently on display. Our object location data is usually updated on a monthly basis, so please contact the Jameel Study Centre if you are planning to visit the museum to see a particular Eastern Art object.

© 2013 University of Oxford - Ashmolean Museum