This uchishiki (Buddhist altar cloth) from Japan dates to the Taisho period (1912–1926). Measuring 36 inches by 27 inches (91 cm x 69 cm), the textile is crafted from a saturated crimson-red silk ground and features an exceptionally detailed dragon motif. The piece remains in good condition, with only two small areas where the delicate metallic threads have become detached.

The central composition features a powerful, five-clawed dragon (ryu) emerging from a cluster of stylized celestial clouds. The entire figure is rendered using fine metallic couching and embroidery, a technique where gold-wrapped threads are laid onto the surface and secured with tiny silk stitches to create a shimmering, three-dimensional effect. Two smaller, circular mon-like medallions containing coiled dragons flank the central figure on the upper "wings" of the cloth, emphasizing the majesty and protective nature of the dragon in Buddhist iconography.

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