A Resist Dyed Furoshiki: Dramatic Zigzag Design

mid twentieth century
43 1/2" x 42", 110.5 cm x 106.5 cm

This square of resist dyed cotton is a furoshiki, a traditional wrapping/carrying/storage cloth that was used all over Japan in the old days, and still, today, is seen quite a bit.

This hand stitched furoshiki bears a wonderfully graphic design, one that is often seen on furoshiki.  The square is split into two by a diagonally placed, central zigzag, separating the design into halves, one half being a warm blue color, the other a grey.  The blue half shows a resist dyed flower, possibly a kikyo or Chinese bellfolwer while the grey half shows a young pine and a crane, both symbols of long life and conjugal fidelity.

The furoshiki is in good, used condition.  

The corners are slightly wrinkled from having been stretched and tied and there are just a few imperfections in the dyeing, too.  These details are shown on the accompanying photos.

A boldly graphic cotton textile, just beautiful.