A Fragile and Delicate 19th Century Silk Fukusa: Piece Constructed

late nineteenth century
36" x 35", 91.5 cm x 89 cm

This is a tattered and frail beauty, one which is hand stitched from about sixteen individual pieces of very lightweight chirimen or crepe silk, each one dyed in botanical dyes, the majority of them--the orange pieces--were dyed in safflower or benibana as it is known in Japan.

It is a rustic fukusa, or gift cover, that is made from recycled silks.

The condition of the piece is poor, but somehow its beauty shines through. The entire piece is sprayed with tiny holes, there is a similar distribution of faint staining to the piece, there is a rather long, horizontal tear to the blue figured silk on the left, shown in detail photos.

However, this square cloth is very beautiful and can be used both as a study piece to admire dyeing in 19th century Japan and as a work of art. If hung freely or near a window, it looks beautiful back lit as its network of seams is evident and artful.

A gorgeous and delicate cloth from old Japan.