Floral Arrangement in a Gold Footed Bowl (Ikebana Style)
Textile art / Mixed media textile wall hanging, embroidery on silk • Unidentified Japanese textile artist or workshop
Style & Movement
Japanese Traditional Decorative Arts / Meiji Revival
Medium & Technique
Silk embroidery thread, metallic thread couching, and painted silk backing
Creation Period
Late 19th to early 20th century (Meiji to Taisho period)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 24 x 18 inches, vertical portrait format
Subject Description
A traditional Japanese floral arrangement (Ikebana) featuring camellia-like blossoms, stalks of millet, and stylized dark foliage set within a golden footed ceramic container against a neutral silk background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The piece shows expected signs of age including slight toning of the silk ground and mild surface wear, but the embroidered elements remain tightly bound and vibrant.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $600
Auction Estimate
$200 - $400
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a decorative export art piece from Japan during the late Meiji or Taisho period, passed down through private collections.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of high-quality Japanese export textiles produced for Western markets during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, demonstrating traditional needlework skills adapted for interior decorative panels.
Notable Features
Exquisite use of metallic thread couching to create textured flower petals and millet grains, paired with painted details on the silk background and the distinctive turquoise accents on the trailing leaves.
Condition Issues
Faint toning and possible light discoloration of the silk background fabric due to age and exposure; minor tension ripples in the fabric.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the silk ground and threads. Ensure conservation framing with UV-filtering glass and acid-free backing materials.