vintage japanese silk woven tapestry - traditional festival shikishi wall decor

Love Japanese Style Like We Do

Elevate your space with the quiet elegance of Japanese tradition through this exquisite vintage silk tapestry - an Aya Nishijin-ori masterpiece - expertly woven and mounted on a classic shikishi art board. Glistening silk threads, delicate gold accents, and a richly hued palette draw the viewer in, making this a striking focal point for any interior and a true gem for admirers of fine Japanese craftsmanship.

This particular piece is a woven interpretation of Jidai Matsuri by noted nihonga painter Tanida Hidero. It portrays a grand historical procession with figures adorned in period clothing spanning centuries of Japanese history. The original inspiration, the Jidai Matsuri or “Festival of Ages,” is one of Kyoto’s most celebrated annual events, held every October 22nd. Founded in 1895 to honor the 1100th anniversary of Kyoto’s establishment as the capital (Heian-kyo), the festival features the spectacular Jidai Gyoretsu - a parade of nearly 2,000 participants dressed in authentic costumes from the Meiji era back to the Heian period (794–1185), making it a vivid tribute to Japan’s enduring legacy.

At the core of this tapestry lies the renowned Aya Nishijin-ori weaving technique, developed in Kyoto’s famed Nishijin district. First introduced by Korean artisans during the Kofun period (5th–6th century), the method has since evolved into a symbol of artistic excellence. Characterized by intricate layering and shimmering textures using silk, metallic threads, and sometimes gold-leafed paper, Nishijin-ori continues to be prized today in high-end obi, Noh theatre garments, and refined decorative arts.

The piece is mounted on a traditional shikishi board—an elegant format historically used for poetry, calligraphy, and seasonal motifs. Commonly displayed in tokonoma alcoves of tea houses and cultivated homes, shikishi offer a dignified yet flexible way to showcase changing themes throughout the year.

Condition: 
In very good vintage condition, this work is preserved in its original folded paper sleeve and sealed in protective cellophane for longevity. A printed artist profile and an explanation of the Aya Nishijin-ori technique (in Japanese) accompany the piece, providing meaningful context for collectors and enthusiasts.

Display Tip:
Explore our selection of finely crafted shikishi frames to find the ideal match for this piece. Once framed, it can be effortlessly rotated with the seasons or for special occasions—just as shikishi were traditionally displayed in harmony with the passage of time.

- measures 242 mm (9.5”) x 272 mm (10.7”).
- weighs 70 gm.

(listing for shikishi art only)

(If you are buying more than one shikishi, or a shikishi and a frame, please contact us for a shipping discount prior to your purchase. We cannot discount after the transaction has been completed)

SHIPPING INFORMATION
- please read our shipping notes in shipping policy.
- we use recycle packaging and wrap for safety, rather than appearance.

ABOUT OUR VINTAGE, ANTIQUE AND OTHER ITEMS
We list pieces we feel are worthy of display. There may be scratches, dents, fading and signs of wear and tear. We try to explain the condition of each item exactly, but may miss something.

Information regarding the item and it’s age is obtained from dealers and our personal research. We do our best to give you the correct information but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this information.

Please message us prior to purchase with any questions you may have about our products.

SHIKISHI BOARDS
Shikishi boards are made from fine handmade washi paper laminated to a hard board backing. They are edged with a strip of gold paper and are used for sumi-e paintings, haiku poems, calligraphy and watercolor paintings. There are also silk screen and printed shikishi too. The regular size measures 242 mm (9.52”) x 272 mm (10.7”). Lately a mini size, measuring 120 mm (4.73”) x 135 mm (5.32”) has also become popular. 

Traditional shikishi art is based around the seasons and seasonal events. Paintings of flowers, animals, fish, vegetables, lucky images, events, such as Hina Matsuri. boys day, bean throwing day and New Year can be found. Japanese people rotate around the paintings to reflect the season, making a display to keep themselves in touch with the beauty of nature and yearly festivities, from within their own home.

Japanese shikishi were traditionally attached to a hanging scroll and displayed in the tokonoma of a formal Japanese tatami mat room. Recently people do not have a tokonoma so some lovely frames for shikishi have become available. They still give you the option to change around your art according to the seasons and also give you the freedom to make a display in any room you like.