Japanese Fukusa with Cranes

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Antique Japanese fukusa, dating to the late Meiji period (1868-1912), with flying cranes in front of a red sun.

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 repeated until all the 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 "balancing" stitches. It measures 21" x 18", is made of silk and is hand sewn. The back of fukusa is a separate piece of material and may also have designs. In this case, the back has a lovely design as well. Dyed with a grey and a pink section and separated by a row of flying cranes. There is also a mon (family crest) in the lower right corner.

Condition is excellent for it's age. There are a few small spots on the front and a couple small areas of soiling on the back. It has all of the original tassles on the corners.

Beautiful, eye-catching piece.

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