A Tsutsugaki Dyed Noren: Remade or Repurposed

early to mid twentieth century
54" x 37", 137 cm x 94 cm

This is a noren which is a traditional Japanese curtain of sorts, one that was used either in doorways in lieu of a door or often hung in front of shops, functioning as a shop sign, as a signal the business was open, and to mark a transition from the outside world to an interior space.

This is a three panel noren which was repurposed from bedding material so it was used in the private areas of a family's home and was not used as a shop sign.

The indigo dyed cotton was dyed in the tsutsugaki method and shows large-scale images of pine, bamboo and plum, a highly auspicious design triad that is referred to as shochikubai. Plum shows courage as its blossoms burst forth from under ice, the bamboo is resilience since it bends but does not break and the pine is a symbol of long life--and of a faithful marriage as its needles fall in pairs.

Textiles that are focused on the shochikubai motif as this one is were often used as part of a bridal trousseau since the motif conveys a remarkable depth of good wishes. The panels used on this noren were no doubt repurposed from a futon cover.

The cloth is used and faded and some of the images show blurring.

The entire noren has been machine stitched and from the wear we see on the hems and the tabs we can see that this has been used well and for a long time since it was machine stitched together.

This is a really delightful and spirited old noren with charming drawing that conveys a good feeling.

Recommended.