A Story Telling Piece Constructed Crepe Silk Bag: Manga-like
early twentieth century
7" x 10" x 10", 18 cm x 25.5 cm x 25.5 cm
This is an amazing silk drawstring bag: rendered in applique on all sides and on the bottom of the bag is the narrative of a story, much like a cartoon strip or a Japanese manga. By rotating the bag the story is told and the bottom of the bag, also elaborately pieced with hand painted details, shows a key scene to the tale depicted here.
There are countless small pieces of crepe silk that create the images on this bag. The story is unknown to us but it could easily be the plot of a legend or a popular kabuki play.
Still, it is the elaborate workmanship to this remarkable bag, and the way in which the story is "told" that make is such a wondrous object.
There is some wear to the bag and some splitting to the seams as can be seen in one detail photo here. But otherwise, for a piece as old as this one, it is in fairly good condition.
Recommended.