This monumental kinran silk uchishiki (Buddhist altar cloth), dating to the late Edo period (1800–1868), is a rare example of high-prestige ritual textile art. Measuring an impressive 77 inches by 75 inches (195.6 cm x 190.5 cm), the cloth is composed of four vertical panels of heavy black silk woven with a dense, repeating supplemental weft pattern.

The textile features a sophisticated "vertical wave" or tate-waku composition:

• The Dragon Motif: Within each undulating column, stylized dragons are meticulously crafted using flattened silver threads. The dragons are depicted in a circular, coiled form, alternating with floral medallions that incorporate paulownia and chrysanthemum-like elements.
• Material and Technique: The use of kinran (gold or silver brocade) indicates that this piece was intended for a significant temple or high-ranking altar. The flattened silver threads create a mirror-like surface that contrasts sharply with the deep black silk ground.

This large-scale piece remains in very good condition, exhibiting only minor imperfections consistent with its 19th-century origin and ritual history.

This artwork is featured on pages 80-81 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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