Old Fukusa, Japanese Gift Cover, a Pair of Cranes

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Directory: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Textiles: Pre 1900: Item # 559006

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Asian Art By Kyoko
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Los Angeles
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Antique Fukusa, a Japanese gift cover with a pair of cranes and pine Tree. This type of silk fukusa was used as a gift cover at the time of a gift-giving ceremony held prior to a wedding. This was one of the rare occasions that the recipients were expected to keep the fukusa as a gift since any return associated with a wedding was considered a bad omen.

The crane and pine trees are both regarded as the symbol of harmonious marriage and longevity in Japan. The design on this fukusa is also appropriate to cover the New Year feast contained in Jyubako (stocking dishes) for a new couple. The condition of this fukusa is new; it does not appear to be used more than once. The bride was either very careful or it is likely that she treated this fukusa as a sacred object from their wedding. The silk feather on one crane is partially rubbed off and there are some discolorations on the liner.

This style of embroidered satin fukusa was popular from the late Edo(1603-1867) to mid Meiji period(1898-1912). The location of the crest on the lining indicates that the fukusa was probably used to cover the stocking dishes by folding it in quarters, with the family crest showing on top. The custom of folding Fukusa was developed at the end of the Edo period (1603-1868). This is a beautiful fukusa made in a high professional level. Dimensions: 28 inch W X 30 1/2 inch L. Circa, early Meiji.