Chiné piece c. 19th century

This Chiné piece, a textile, is part of the collection at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and was made by an anonymous artist. The method of creating Chiné à la branche involves weaving pre-printed warps to create hazy, blurred patterns, often floral as seen here. Historically, textiles were not merely decorative; they were deeply intertwined with social, economic, and gendered power structures. The creation and use of textiles were often the domain of women, and these skills were passed down through generations. This piece exists within the framework of domestic arts, traditionally undervalued and feminized. Consider the labor involved in textile production. The cultural and social implications of anonymity challenge the established canon, inviting us to question the narratives of art history. This textile prompts a reflection on the narratives of craft, labor, and identity.