Rare MCM Japanese Hand-Embroidered Silk Portrait

Rare MCM Japanese Hand-Embroidered Silk Portrait Old Woman w/ Tea Cup 18.5x20.5" Up for sale is a stunning, authentic mid-century Japanese silk embroidery portrait depicting an elderly woman smiling warmly while cradling a hot beverage cup. This piece was produced by the renowned Uchida Art Company of Kyoto, Japan, famous for its high-end mid-century textile exports. Exquisite Craftsmanship: This is not a painting—it is completely hand-stitched on a black silk background using microscopic mulberry silk threads. The artisan utilized a masterful "su embroidery" (silk shading) technique, contouring the stitches to create incredibly lifelike 3D depth in the facial lines, hands, and clothing. The silk strands have a gorgeous, subtle sheen that beautifully shifts and reflects light depending on your viewing angle. Cultural Symbolism: The hand-stitched Kanji character on the red cup reads 寿 (Kotobuki), translating directly to "Longevity" or "Long Life." The subject wears a traditional rural white headscarf (Tenugui) featuring a meticulous Mame-shibori (bean-pattern tie-dye) stitch pattern, paired with a classic winter padded vest (Hanten). Dimensions & Framing: Frame Size: 18.5" Wide x 20.45" High Frame Depth: 2" Deep (Premium gallery shadowbox profile) Frame Details: Housed in its original vintage dark-lacquered wood frame accented with a delicate, thin inner gold border. Features the original braided hanging wire on the back. Condition Report: Front (Artwork): Excellent vintage condition. The silk fabric remains tightly stretched and flat with no visible puckering, fading, or loose threads. The colors are remarkably vibrant. Back (Dust Cover): Shows authentic age. There is a small puncture near the top hanging hook and some wavy water tidelines/moisture staining localized strictly on the outer edges of the paper backing. This is purely cosmetic on the exterior paper and has not penetrated or affected the front silk artwork. Kept in a smoke-free environment. Nearest intersection Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue