Japanese Ladies 19th-20th century

Editor: Right now, we're looking at something called "Japanese Ladies," a textile piece from the 19th or 20th century, housed here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. To me, it gives off a very subdued and serene vibe; the patterns are pretty but repetitive. How do you interpret this piece? What catches your eye? Curator: Ah, a book! To me, the patterns dance before my eyes, almost like an endless maze, or maybe a gentle stream. These types of binding, though anonymous here, were quite typical in Japan, hand sewn with the title pasted on top, so a very humble exterior to reveal untold stories on the interior. And the very fact that the surface shows a few nicks is lovely – whispers of time and use, almost as if the object itself had secrets to share. Does that geometric quality, that constant pattern, trigger any thoughts for you? Editor: It definitely makes me think about mass production, though that seems a little contradictory given its age. Do you think the artist intended to reflect something about society at the time? Curator: Perhaps. The textile cover whispers of a life lived, pages turned, secrets held, maybe longing, maybe laughter, distilled down into this very subtle surface pattern. Each element feels so considered, so very Japanese in its refined and elegant simplicity. I also can’t help but wonder what sort of narrative lay in the book's pages. Editor: I didn't even think about the book that it might cover. Thanks! That definitely opens up another avenue for considering the purpose behind this geometric pattern. Curator: My pleasure! It's lovely how a simple surface, like a well-loved face, can hide an entire world within.