#50 • Japan Meiji Embroidered Silk Lions, Tigers - Inlaid Mother-of-Pearl Frame

Part of Curated Online Auction | Furniture, Jewelry, Asian Antiques & More (timed auction by Lux Auctions)

High bid $120.00

Status: No sale

Large framed Meiji Period (1867-1912) Japanese art tapestry of a silk-embroidered lion and three small tigers (non-native beasts representing strength, courage, and long life, probably styled from paintings or photographs so perspective was skewed). Alternate long and short glossy stitches cleverly depict fur, grass, and added dimension. This impressive work is under glass in an equally remarkable, weighty mother-of-pearl inlaid hardwood frame featuring an "auspicious and peaceful" signature banner in Kanji to the right, and iridescent, etched animals, birds, flowers, characters and repeated designs all around. The frame has rounded corners and five-dot patterns of inlaid bone on the upper and lower sides. Along the back are added braces, hanging hooks, and original sliding pieces for removing wood panels. The frame has some rub marks on top and along the edges and a bit of detritis in one corner, but no inlays are missing. A couple dark dots appear on the tapestry near the bottom frame. The frame measures 42" H x 56" W x 2" D with a 34" x 49" view area. Lift assistance advised. Please see photos for more detail.