DESCRIPTION:  This is a very uncommon example of a “Furoshiki” or Informal Japanese Gift Cover. It is a marvelous handwoven, hand painted and hand stenciled Silk Furoshiki that was obviously intended for a young man of the highest social standing. It has been handwoven of rare, Chirimen Silk, a crepe like Silk that has not been reproduced in Japan since the 1800s, as the weaving process has been lost. The dramatic Mandarin Crane have been freely drawn in the paste resist dyeing technique of “Tsutsugaki” or the Rice Paste Resist method which entailed painting out all of the design except that which was to receive the new color in the rice paste, each time a new color was added.  The background, an intricate calligraphic pattern of Chinese characters,  was created through the tedious and time-consuming “Rice Paste Resist” stencil process. The stencil “paper” is created from Japanese hand made “washi paper” taken from the mulberry tree.  These layers are then treated with persimmon juice and sandwiched together in order to produce a strong stencil.  A design as fine as this takes a great deal of skill to cut, and would be further reinforced by laying fine threads of silk to keep it together during the time that it was used to paint the pattern on the silk of this Furoshiki.

The exquisite Mandarin Crane ("Tsuru"), so finely detailed, are one of the most prominent symbols associated with good fortune and with longevity. They are often the companions of  the Immortals, as well as being paired with the Tortoise ("Minogame"), another symbol of agelessness. They are viewed as living to a great age and as being able to navigate between heaven and earth. Legend has it that it takes the Crane 1000 years to fly to the Sun.

Using these finely detailed painting techniques to create this stunning portrayal of Mandarin Crane, on this Furoshiki, a cover intended for personal everyday life, indicates the wealth and standing of the individual to whom it belonged.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Japan

TYPE TEXTILE:  Furoshiki, Informal Gift Cover

APPROXIMATE DATE OR PERIOD:  Late Edo Era (1615-1867) to Early Meiji Era (1868-1912)

FABRIC CONTENT and CONDITION:  Hand woven Chirimen Silk in excellent condition.

FINISHED SIZE:  27 inches h x 24 inches w

PRESENTATION:   Intricately cut triple acid free mats in cream, charcoal and grey blue are set in a wooden  frame in a matching shade. It is protected by non glare, 97% UV glass. This antique textile Furoshiki  has been mounted in conformance with the highest standards in order to ensure a damage-free environment for its future protection.

A Certificate of Authenticity is included.

PRICE: $6800 

Professional packing and shipping provided within the continental United States

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