Red felt rug (mōsen) with lattice pattern, early 20th century

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Material and technique: Felted wool and stencil-resist dye (katazome)

Felt rugs, or mōsen, were mostly used to achieve warmth and comfort during the winter. Businesses, teahouses, and homes laid them over the traditional tatami (rice straw mats) flooring. Wool felt was imported from China or Mongolia, where such rugs were used as flooring within yurts, the portable tent dwellings of nomadic herders. This example features an elaborate lattice pattern across the entire surface, dyed with a stencil resist (katazome). Between the latticework are stylized persimmon flowers.

Details
Title
Red felt rug (mōsen) with lattice pattern
Role
Maker
Dimension
75 1/2 x 44 in.
Accession Number
2019.20.126
Catalogue Raisonne
Murray et al. 2018, pl. 132
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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