TEXTILES
Japan
Futonji (futon cover)
Early to mid 20th century
Plain weave; Resist dyed, paste resist (tsutsugaki); Painted
Cotton; Vegetable dye (indigo); Pigments; Tsutsugaki printing
71 1/4 x 52 in. (180.9 x 132.1 cm) overall
Frances and Thomas Blakemore Collection
TC 96.2-186

The square “mesh” (meyui) crests on each corner refer to “eye tie,” a costly process of dyeing fabric (shiburi). The bamboo motif running down the center, stands for fidelity and constancy and was widely used in the gardens of Japanese nobility and in the making of various daily items, such as writing brushes, hats, arrows or fences. Because of the plant's hardiness through seasonal changes, bamboo bears association with virtues such as integrity, constancy, and honor. -- Researched by Elisa Law, Spring 2013.