TEXTILES
Japan
Furoshiki (wrapping cloth)
Plain weave; Resist dyed, paste resist (tsutsugaki)
Cotton; Vegetable dye (indigo); Tsutsugaki printing
63 x 54 in. (160 x 137.2 cm) overall
Frances and Thomas Blakemore Collection
TC 96.2-189

This piece depicts a bird feather crest (takanoha) surrounded by a peony design. The falcon feathers of the takanoha denote a martial relationship as they were used to decorate arrows and helmets in feudal Japan. The Higo and Aso shrines have the takanoha as their emblem, which lend the crest a religious aspect. The peony, known as king of the flowers, was used for medicinal purposes and admired for its beauty. -- Researched by Elisa Law, Spring 2013.