Compendium of Designs 1820s

This is a page from a woodblock-printed book of designs for textiles, created in Japan in the late eighteenth century by Umemaru Yūzen. The book reveals a tension between tradition and innovation in the artistic culture of its time. The imagery reflects traditional Japanese aesthetics and motifs, such as floral patterns, elegant birds, and classical scenes, but it also shows a new commercial awareness. The designs offered a range of options to patrons seeking to commission custom fabrics, and the printing of design books like this was supported by the rising merchant class in the Edo period. This helped to transform Japanese society, but also challenged the traditional social hierarchy, which placed merchants lower than farmers or samurai. Understanding this artwork requires us to consider the complex interplay of social, economic, and artistic forces that shaped its creation. The museum’s collection catalogues, research databases, and the writings of scholars specializing in Japanese art and social history can help.