TEXTILES
Japan
Futonji (futon cover)
Plain weave; Resist dyed, paste resist (katazome); Printed, stenciled
Cotton; Vegetable dye (indigo); Katazome printing
61 1/4 x 53 1/4 in. (155.6 x 135.3 cm) overall
Frances and Thomas Blakemore Collection
TC 96.2-178

The wood sorrel (katabami) crest enjoyed great popularity among warriors. The wood sorrel fruit contains many seeds and is highly reproductive so people wore its symbol as a charm to ensure the proliferation of one’s family. The depiction of sword blades within the design of the wood sorrel flower also helped make this design appeal to the warrior class. The vine motif represents the wisteria (fuji) plant, which is native to the Kansai area of Japan. As a crest it was often used by families whose name included fuji and those who were devotees of the Kumano shrine, which is associated with the wisteria plant. -- Researched by Elisa Law, Spring 2013.