A Furoshiki of Pieced Jofu: Finely Woven Hemp or Ramie Cloth

early twentieth century
34" x 28", 86.5 cm x 71 cm

This stunningly attractive furoshiki is made from five pieces of very high quality hemp or ramie cloth of a type referred to as jofu: jofu indicates exceptional quality. This cloth was woven either in Omi or Echigo, two of the few places in Japan that produce such fine cloth of this kind.

The pattern is elaborately designed and show well-rendered phoenixes swirling against a background of clouds, pairs of invented flowers, and shimmering, geometric rectangles.

On the bottom, left-hand corner is a Chinese character stitched in white sashiko.

The cloth is in very good condition and is of great beauty--it is finely woven and beautifully dyed. With such an attractive pattern this is an alluring textile.

Recommended.