Antique Japanese Silk & Cotton Tapestry 18th Century Wall Hanging

Details

Description

Antique Japanese Silk & Cotton Tapestry – 71.5"H x 43"W

Early 18th Century Edo Period | Bamboo Landscape with Pavilion, … Read more Antique Japanese Silk & Cotton Tapestry – 71.5"H x 43"W

Early 18th Century Edo Period | Bamboo Landscape with Pavilion, River & Ducks

Dimensions: 71.5" H × 43" W × 0.25" D
Materials: Woven silk and cotton with embroidered detailing
Origin: Japan
Period: Edo Period (early to mid 1700s)
Condition: Good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear (see details below)

Description:
Bring timeless elegance and cultural richness into your space with this rare 18th-century Japanese tapestry, an exquisite example of Edo-period textile art. This tall vertical wall hanging features a peaceful bamboo forest scene, with a gently flowing river, a traditional thatched-roof pavilion on stilts, and ducks swimming in calm waters—evoking the harmony and quiet beauty of nature.

Handwoven in silk and cotton, the tapestry showcases masterful embroidery with delicate rendering of trees, foliage, and architectural details. Framed in a rich brown damask silk border, featuring dragons, foo dogs, roosters, clouds, and floral motifs, the piece is a harmonious blend of mythological symbolism and natural scenery.

Historical Significance & Symbolism:
Crafted during the Edo period, a time of peace, prosperity, and flourishing arts in Japan, tapestries of this nature were often commissioned for high-ranking families or temples.

Bamboo symbolizes strength, resilience, and purity.
Water represents impermanence and the philosophical concept of mono no aware—the gentle sadness and beauty in transience.
The thatched pavilion nestled in nature reflects the wabi-sabi aesthetic, embracing simplicity and imperfection.
This piece is not only decorative—it is deeply philosophical, offering a window into the cultural values and artistic mastery of historic Japan.

Condition Details:
Fraying and small tears on the silk damask border (consistent with age)
Some subtle fading to the background silk
A repaired area on the backing (flower-patterned fabric) with small tears/holes, as the fabric is so delicate and old.
The actual Embroidered inside panel remains vibrant, intact, and free from holes
Hangs from a wooden rod for easy display
No visible artist signature or maker’s mark (common for folk-art textiles of this era)
Styling Ideas:
Whether displayed in a modern, Japandi, or traditional interior, this tapestry adds warmth, sophistication, and a strong sense of place. Ideal for:
Living rooms as a statement piece
Entryways to create a serene first impression
Gallery walls alongside other antique or Asian-inspired art
Minimalist interiors, to soften lines and introduce organic, historical texture

Why You’ll Love It:
Tapestries of this scale, detail, and age are exceptionally rare and prized by collectors and designers alike. It’s more than art—it’s a cultural artifact that tells a story of craftsmanship, philosophy, and the enduring beauty of nature. See less