Untitled

Unknown

18th century · Resist-dyed and painted silk crepe with details embroidered in silk and metallic thread · Asian Art

When the designs of Japanese robes and theatrical costumes evoke scenes from stories, they do so without depicting the actual characters. Inanimate characteristics that provide the setting of a famous episode—landmarks, seasonal flowers, accoutrements associated with characters and events—serve as a shorthand for the entire episode. This extremely rare piece, a fragment of a garment, is a remarkable exception. Overtly represented here next to a palanquin and under a blossoming cherry tree are two monkeys. Complete with clothing, postures, and facial expressions that suggest relative rank and even personality, the animals are clearly characters in a story. Unfortunately, because the garment is not complete, the story cannot be unambiguously identified; however, this textile probably shows a detail from the story Fujibukuro (The Wisteria Bag), in which monkeys interact with humans. Narrative elements of the story presented in the textile include cherry blossoms, the palanquin, and monkey attendants.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Resist-dyed and painted silk crepe with details embroidered in silk and metallic thread

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Roy R. and Marie S. Neuberger Foundation Inc. and several members of The Chairman's Council Gifts, 2000 Benefit Fund, and funds from various donors, 2001