Book Cover (Shikami Choju-mon Nishiki)

The original design is from the coat-of-arms kept at Kodai-ji Temple, Kyoto, Japan which is said to have been worn by Hideyoshi Toyotomi (1536-1598 A.D.). The fabric used is a silk tapestry and was made in Persia during the Safavi Dynasty (1502-1736 A.D.). The pattern of the hunting lion is peculiar to the Scythian in Siberia, the outlines enclosing each motif are of the Mohammedan culture in the medieval ages, and the design of the peacock is influenced by the Indian culture. The skilful technique to weave the patterns into the tapestry is considered to have been brought from China, and the Persian braid threads are used in the original. Thus, the original piece is very unique to prove the flow of cultures of the East and the West in the old days. A work of refined art was arranged into our warp-patterned brocade depicting the original atmosphere of exotic mood.