Antique Large Japanese Futon Cover Textile Art with Resist Yuzen Dye

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A large unframed Japanese Futonji textile art circa late 19th century toward the end of the Meiji period. Seamed together … Read more A large unframed Japanese Futonji textile art circa late 19th century toward the end of the Meiji period. Seamed together from four vertical sections of cotton in deep indigo color, this large piece was made as a Futonji (futon cover) or Yutan (covering cloth) for domestic use. It still retains the borders and back cover with a slit for inserting the futon. The front showcases a beautiful pictorial design with a crane flying on a background of pine tree, bamboo and plum blossom. On the lower part, a giant longevity tortoise known as minogame in Japanese floating on the ocean of waves. The imagery is full of symbolism. The pine, bamboo and plum trees are collectively known as "three friends in winter". Their cold-resilient character represents inner strength. While minogame is the symbol of longevity, the red-crowned crane, beloved in Japan, projects fidelity in marriage, good luck, long life and love.
Achieved using Tsutsugaki method of Yuzen dye, a technique of free hand resist dying using rice paste, which involves many painstaking steps, and all done by hands in the workshop. Although well reserved, this piece was clearly used for a long time and displays a wonderful patina: the color was pleasantly muted due to many washes. There are several carefully patched repairs on one corner and the back cover. It was apparently well cared for as a family heirloom. The back of the front cover is fresh inside of the back cover.
Reference: for several examples of Futonji and Yutan, see Textile of Japan: The Thomas Murray Collection at the Minneapolis Institute of Art" (Prestell) page 224-250. See less