A Tsutsugaki Dyed Cotton Furoshiki: Boldly Graphic Design

early twentieth century
42" x 43", 107 cm x 109 cm

This is a tsutsugaki dyed furoshiki which is a traditional cloth used for the carrying, wrapping and storage of goods.

It shows a wonderfully strong, graphic design of a diagonally-oriented zigzag that divides the cloth in to sections, a grey dyed one and a brown dyed one. The brown section shows what must be a family crest. In this case it is a design comprised of stylized arrow feathers arranged as a wheel. 

On the grey section we see three delicate clusters of leaves and arabesques.

The furoshiki is machine stitched and shows a few stains, some fading and a center that is distended from wear--none of these details are surprising for a utilitarian textile that has been used for years.

This is a striking and beautifully realized cloth--and recommended for its appealing design.