A Section of a Tsutsugaki Dyed Futon Cover: Gracefully Masterful Drawing

late nineteenth century
44 1/4" x 13", 112.5 cm x 33 cm

This is a panel taken from a larger piece of tsutsugaki dyed cotton, probably a futon cover.

This fragment shows delicately and expertly drawn roundels: a full one showing a circle of plum blossoms can be seen below a fragment of a wreath of bamboo leaves.

No doubt the futon cover was meant to depict bamboo, pine and plum blossoms a combination which in Japan is known shochikubai.

Shochikubai is a classic, auspicious pattern composed of pine, plum and bamboo and it is often used for cloth to be included in a bridal trousseau. 

The plum is the first bloom to burst forth from the winter's ice and is symbol of strength, the bamboo bends but does not break so it is a symbol of resilience, and the pine, of course conveys a wish for longevity.  Also, pine needles fall in pairs, and thus they are a motif often used at weddings.

The drawing and now-faded coloring to these images is absolutely beautiful, you could not ask for better quality drawing that what is seen here.

This would be beautiful framed or displayed on the wall--it has tremendous visual appeal.

Recommended.