Fragment of a Banner ("Ban") with Lion and Phoenixes

This fragment is one of the most renowned textiles in the Collection of Hōryūji Treasures. During the Edo period (1603–1868), the name shokkōkin (“Shu river brocade”) was applied to multicolored textiles with red grounds to draw on popular imagery of fine brocades from the ancient Chinese state of Shu (near present-day Chengdu, Sichuan Province) extolled in traditional poetry and literature. This example features a design with paired Chinese lions and phoenixes facing each other across incense burners. They are encircled by beaded roundels and vegetal motifs reminiscent of West Asian designs. Pegasuses and stags decorate the areas outside. This striking textile featuring motifs originating in West Asia and Buddhist art was made using a style of warp-faced, compound-weave from ancient China. The discoloration in the center suggests it was likely part of a banner adorning a temple.

— Museum description: Tokyo National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.