Description

This Japanese Yuzen Birodo dates to the late 19th or early 20th  century, so it is set in the Meiji period.

The subject matter is quite commonly found in this type of textile: an idyllic rural scene along a water way with ducks swimming in the stream, a mill by the river, trees and a pagoda in the background. (For a very similar composition on this website, see https://www.christopherleggeorientalcarpets.com/products/view/japanes-yuzen-birodo/)

The scene in this textile, however, is particularly finely drawn – the farmer on the bridge carrying his produce, probably grain, to the mill is a good example in hand. The sun above the clouds throwing reflections into the water and the delicately depicted roof construction are another. Like with all Yuzen Birodo, the creation of such a textile in partially cut and painted silk velvet required a very high degree of technical skill and sophistication.

One unusual feature in this piece, which is a near pair to another Yuzen Birodo on this website (see https://www.christopherleggeorientalcarpets.com/products/view/antique-yuzen-birodo/ ) is the framing of the central image: whilst the material used for the surround is usually a silk brocade, in this example it has been made in the same technique as the field but with a pattern resembling a brocade.

The backing is a beautiful cotton print of the same period (see additional image in https://www.christopherleggeorientalcarpets.com/products/view/antique-yuzen-birodo/ ).

The textile has very minor damage to the surround but is otherwise in very good condition.

This is an extremely decorative wall hanging