Vase Mat (S) (Tempyo Kamhata-mon Nishiki)

In the Shoso-in collections of textiles, numerous works of art have been handed down representing the fine fabrics of the East Asaia in the 7th and the 8th centuries that are known as the valuable data to observe the versatile techniques of dyeing and weaving in those days. The design of this brocade was adaqted from tsuzure (tapestry weave) brocade, one of the Shoso-in preservations, of which original was a narrow width fabric with the lozenges and flowers design in the beautiful gradational colors. "Kamhata", meaning the tsuzure weaving machine of the ancient days in Japan, was to produce the long and narrow fabrics. It was used as a belt in ancient China as its strength was the characteristic of "Kamhata" fabrics. This design was arranged by adding the geometric patterns recalling the beauty of T'ang times with the subtle and graceful quality and woven into warp-patterned brocade.