TEXTILES
Japan
Futonji (futon cover made from a yogi[?])
Plain weave; Resist dyed, paste resist (tsutsugaki); Painted (on fabric)
Cotton; Vegetable dye (indigo); Tsutsugaki printing
55 1/2 x 56 1/4 in. (141 x 142.9 cm) overall
Frances and Thomas Blakemore Collection
TC 96.2-195

The large central crest represents wisteria (fuji), a plant native to the Kansai area of Japan. As a crest it was often used by families whose name included fuji such as the noble Fujiwara family in the latter half of the Heian period (794-1185). It was also used by devotees of the Kumano shrine. The wave motif, seen below the crest, was often used as a symbol of power and resilience. -- Researched by Elisa Law, Spring 2013.