Antique Fukusa-Daimyo Gyoretsu

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Antique Japanese fukusa, dating to the Meiji period (1868-1912), depicting a Daimyo Gyoretsu or samurai procession with Mt. Fuji in the background.

*** During the Edo period, a law, called "Sankin Kotai" was created to help control the Daimyo (Feudal Lords). The law required every Daimyo to spend every other year in Edo (Tokyo). The travelling procession of the Daimyo household often included over 200 samurai (soldiers) and was called Daimyo Gyoretsu. With hundreds of Daimyo coming or going every year, these processions were common occurrences. ***

A fukusa was used for very special occasions as a gift cover and were usually special ordered. Hand dyed using the same method as kimono called yuzen (waxy material placed all over except where they wanted the dye. Then it would be dyed and washed off and then the whole process repeated until all colors in the whole piece were finished). Large stitches were sewn around the whole piece, an inch or two from the outer edges, to help keep the fukusa in place on the gift. This one still has the "blancing" stiches. There is some light embroidery work throughout.

It measures 25" x 27", is made of silk and is hand sewn. The back of fukusa is a separate piece of material and may also have pictures. In this case, the back is solid red with a family crest and crane with an embroidered red head.

There are a few age spots on front and a couple of darker spots on the back as well as two water mark stains on the back towards the top of the piece. It has 3 of the original tassles on the corners. Included will be two additional tassles that are a little different and smaller but this will give you options. You can either remove one or all the tassles or remove one and replace with the smaller ones.

This product was added to our catalog on Sunday 08 October, 2006.