Framed Meiji Japanese Embroidery of Chicken

A large framed embroidery from Meiji Japan (1868 – 1912) featuring a family of hens amongst Chrysanthemums, the expert use of negative space making it reminiscent of the best Kacho-e woodblock prints.

An exceptional example. The Japanese textile artists of this period have never been surpassed, and this piece is of the highest quality. A wonderful, charming composition executed with astonishing skill. The huge range of colours and techniques employed in the rendering of the birds and flowers make them burst from the silk into three dimensional life, the stitches flowing like paint.

The piece is well presented, with a generous mount lined with gold silk and an attractive frame in red and gold. Covered with acrylic glass.

117cm x 84cm (46 x 34 inches) inclusive of frame.

Condition: Some staining to the silk ground, some pulled threads to the embroidery, the worst affected area just above the lower hens head on the upper hens flank. Overall the embroidery is in excellent condition. The frame has a small knock to the left corner, and a larger area of loss to the veneer on the right bottom edge. Some surface scratches to the glass, difficult to see. Please see images, more available on request.