Study on the Influence of Japanese Motifs on Silks of the Late Ming Dynasty

Abstract

From the medieval to the early modern periods, various new techniques of dyeing and embroidery and correlative decorative patterns on textiles with local characteristics had been developed in Japan, some of which could be witnessed on the silks from the middle to late Ming dynasty, leading to limited influences on the silk art of the Ming and Qing dynasties. This paper classifies a group of unearthed and handed down silks with similar patterns and compositions from the middle to late Ming dynasty and makes comparisons with related decorative arts from both China and Japan, to summarize corresponding adoption and application of Japanese textile patterns by Ming silks. It also explores the production and application of Ming silks that imitated Japanese textiles.