TEXTILES
Japan
Futonji (futon cover)
Plain weave; Resist dyed, paste resist (tsutsugaki); Painted
Cotton; Vegetable dye (indigo); Tsutsugaki printing
63 3/4 x 53 1/4 in. (161.9 x 135.3 cm) overall
Frances and Thomas Blakemore Collection
TC 96.2-175

A Chinese vine (karakusa) motif spreads out from around a centrally located peony (botan) crest, a prestigious symbol adopted by many temples and shrines as well as the Konoe and Takatsukasa families. Two fan crests (ogi; sensu), symbolizing development and admired particularly during Heian (794-1185) and Kamakura (1185–1333) periods, adorn the bottom corners. -- Researched by Elisa Law, Spring 2013.