Visions in Silk

Clare Pollard, Luz van Overbeeke, Matsubara Fumi, Hirota Takashi

Visions in Silk: The Khalili Collection of Japanese Fine Art Textiles offers the first in-depth study of Japanese fine art textiles from the Meiji era (1868–1912), drawn from the renowned Khalili Collection. Lavishly illustrated, it shows how artists reimagined traditional techniques to produce innovative textiles that won awards, fascinated international audiences and were presented as diplomatic gifts. With over 300 examples – including embroidery, yuzen-dyed silk, cut velvet, tapestry and oshi-e raised silk – the book highlights works ranging from refined panels and screens to grand exhibition pieces, all reflecting exceptional skill and artistry. Written by leading experts, this landmark volume sheds new light on these extraordinary creations and will appeal to anyone interested in Japanese art, textiles, Japonisme and the cultural shifts of the Meiji era.

Dr Clare Pollard is Curator of Japanese Art at the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford. Luz van Overbeeke is a dealer, conservation manager, independent researcher and writer specialising in Japanese artistic textiles from the Meiji and Taisho eras. Dr Matsubara Fumi is Director of the Kitano Cultural Research Institute at the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. Professor Hirota Takashi is a leading scholar on late 19th- and early 20th-century Japanese fine art textiles and a pioneer in the field.