This exquisite uchishiki (Buddhist altar textile), dating to the mid-Edo period (1700–1800), features a masterful display of figurative silk embroidery. The triangular composition depicts a group of scholarly figures, likely representing a variation of the "Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove," engaged in traditional intellectual pursuits amidst a lush, stylized landscape.

The scene is meticulously detailed, showcasing scholars gathered around a table and others standing near a cascading waterfall and blooming peonies. The use of metallic-wrapped threads for the background creates a dense, shimmering field that contrasts sharply with the vibrant silk threads used for the figures' robes and the natural elements. The upper portion of the textile remains unadorned white silk, a traditional design choice that allowed the piece to be tucked under altar ornaments while the primary narrative remained visible.

This artwork is featured on pages 106-109 of Ceremonial Textiles of Japan, 18th to 20th Centuries. This book, published by Yorke Antique Textiles, can be previewed or purchased on our website here.

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