While it turned cold outside, the Ashmolean’s autumn-winter 2012/13 exhibition celebrated sumptuous interiors. Many of us are aware of the beauty of the traditional Japanese kimono. ‘Threads of Silk and Gold’ introduces the less well known but equally spectacular ornamental textiles that were made for western homes during Japan’s Meiji era (1868–1912). This was the famous period of Japonisme, which saw the European Impressionist painters exploring themes and styles taken from Japanese art, and Victorian rooms filled with Japanese decorative arts and crafts.