Large Japanese Textile Futon Cover with Resist Yuzen Dye

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A large unframed Japanese textile art circa late early 20th century toward the end of the Meiji period. Seamed together … Read more A large unframed Japanese textile art circa late early 20th 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 showcases a beautiful pictorial design with two cranes, one standing, one flying on a background of pine tree, bamboo and plum blossom. On the lower right corner there is a longevity tortoise called Minogame in Japanese. 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 symbols of longevity, the red-crowned crane, beloved in Japan, project fidelity in marriage, good luck, long life and love. On four corners, there are prominent Choji mons (clover design), likely indicating the family which the Futonji belonged to.
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, this panel retains vibrant colors and remains in remarkable condition. The back is fresh as it was likely taken off the futon cover a long ago and used as a wall hanging.
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