Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Textiles (13)

Meiji Era futon-ji; indigo dyed cotton with tsutsugaki (free-hand drawn resist) image of the Three Friends of Winter: Pine, Bamboo, and Plum. L.150cm(59") x W.128cm(50"). Such bedding covers were given as part of a bride's dowry, commissioned with auspicious images or a family crest by the bride's family...

Indigo dyed (aizome) cotton "yutan", or covering cloth, stencil dyed with family crest of pine boughs flanking a "koto bashira", the bridge of a koto musical instrument. L.150cm (59") x W.129cm (50"). Such textiles were commissioned for use as bridal dowry pieces and covered the items taken to the new bride's home. The family crest may have been that of the bride's or groom's family, or possibly a combination of the two, depending on the rank or status of the families...

Furoshiki, wrapping cloth, of indigo dyed (aizome) cotton. Two corners display a "kiri" (paulownia) crest, and there is karakusa scrolling around the entire border, stenciled dyed (katazome.) Ca. late Meiji Era (1868-1912). L.142cm (56") x W.132cm (52").

Sakiori, or "rag weave", was a necessity of many common people in old Japan, especially those of the NE Japan (Tohoku region) which was known for its harsh climate and living conditions. This item is a late Meiji piece from the region showing wonderful color combination, and sporting a few repair patches from its long life. L.144cm(56.5") x W.34cm(13.5").

The Ainu of northern Japan produced their own clothing throughout history with a variety of materials such as elm bark fibers and animal skins/furs. In later years, contact with the Japanese included trade for textiles such as indigo dyed cotton. This Meiji Era robe has a base of aizome cotton with cut-out applique in a garment known as "kapara amip" in the Ainu language, or lightweight robe...

Indigo dyed cotton wrapping cloth, furoshiki, from late Meiji Era. The family crest stencil dyed (katazome) into the corner is "anzu-botan" (apricot-peony). L.133cm (52.25") x W.130cm (51").

Four-panel kon (dark-blue) indigo-dyed cotton bed cover, woven with kasuri technique creating patterns of squares (well frames.) Top cover only, no backing or wadding; good condition, minor repair to one corner. Ca. 1900. L.54”(137cm) x W.52”(132cm.) Futonji, bed covers, were a common bridal trousseau item in feudal and early-modern Japan. They may have been made by the bride before marriage (in very rural areas,) or more likely commissioned by the bride’s family...

LE-30 Kasuri Futonji, Ikat-woven Bed Cover. Three-panel kon (dark-blue) indigo-dyed cotton bed cover, woven with kasuri technique creating patterns of squares (well frames) and crossed points. Top cover only, no backing or wadding, very good condition. Ca. 1900. L.66”(168cm) x W.39”(99cm.) Futonji, bed covers, were a common bridal trousseau item in feudal and early-modern Japan...

E-Gasuri (Kasuri) Futonji, Picture Ikat-woven Bed Cover; Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture. Four-panel kon (dark-blue) indigo-dyed cotton bed cover, woven with e-gasuri (picture) ikat technique creating images of Otafuku (goddess of happiness & mirth) and Plovers, squares, and crosses. An excellent example of the picture ikat tradition of Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture on the north end of Kyushu Island. Top cover only, no backing or wadding, good condition. 7” (18cm) tear to one end of cloth. Ca...

Katazome Futonji, Stencil-dyed Bed Cover. Chrysanthemum Pattern. Four-panel indigo-dyed cotton bed cover with pattern of chrysanthemum flowers and leaves. Good condition with some tears, including a 19” vertical tear (see photos.) Top cover only, no wadding or backing. Ca. late-1800’s, early Meiji Era. W.52”(132cm) x L.66”(168cm.) Futonji, bed covers, were a common bridal trousseau item in feudal and early-modern Japan...

Furoshiki (Wrapping Cloth), Indigo-dyed with reinforced sashiko-embroidered corners. Additional center reinforcement panel. A few areas of repair mending and some small holes (please see detail images.)Early 20th Century. 79"(201cm) x 74"(188cm.) The contemporary image of furoshiki brings to mind a pleasantly printed small cloth the size of large handkerchief, used for wrapping one's bento (lunch box) or a small gift when visiting a friend...

Two tsutsugaki (hand drawn rice paste resist indigo dyed) panels of (most likely) a 4-panel futon-ji (Bed Cover,) with design of various tea cermony implements, chadogu, used during the "ro" (hearth) season. These include tea whisk (chasen,) charcoal pieces, trivet for holding the water kettle, and feather for sweeping ash from the tatami...

Kasuri (ikat) panel remnant with design of chrysanthemums, butterflies, and geometric squares. Japan, ca. Meji Era, 1868-1912. H.7.5"(19cm) x W.11.75"(32cm,) small 1.5cm repair patch in center. This is a wonderful example of mingei craft with a very playful image. Butterflies exist in Japanese folk imagery, but are not so common. This piece would be lovely framed.