Threads of Silk and Gold: Ornamental Textiles from Meiji Japan

Highlights from the superb textile collection at the Sannenzaka Museum in Kyoto come to Oxford for this dazzling exhibition.

Cormorant © Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Cormorant

© Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The first exhibition devoted to Meiji textiles ever to be held outside of Japan, Threads of Silk and Gold brings together some 40 examples of spectacular ornamental textiles produced for the Western market during Japan's Meiji era (1868–1912).

It was a period in which the European Impressionist painters explored themes and styles taken from Japanese art, and in which Japanese decorative craft furnished many Victorian homes. The art of the Meiji era was extraordinarily rich, ranging from ceramics and metalwork to elaborate works in textile: exquisite embroideries, grant tapestries and intricately crafted applique works became some of Japan's best-known exports.


Venue details

Ashmolean Museum Beaumont Street, Oxford Oxfordshire OX1 2PH 01865 278000 www.ashmolean.org

Entry details

£3 with National Art Pass (standard entry £6)

Tue – Sun, Bank Holiday Mon, 10am – 5pm

Closed 24 – 26 Dec

Book on line at the Ashmolean's booking page

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