ca. late Nineteenth/ early Twentieth century
49" x 50", 124.5 cm x 127 cm

This stunning indigo dyed boro furoshiki is beautiful on many levels. What comes to mind first is the beauty of the cotton cloth itself: it bears the hand and texture of hand spun, hand woven cotton: the texture is wonderfully 'home made.' Then there is the dye, both the clear, medium blue and the gorgeous stenciled katazome pattern that has resisted the dye: the pattern it is a field of auspicious motifs: the karakusa (trailing vine), cranes, tortoises, plum and pine.

All these design motifs are symbolic of long life, conjugal fidelity and courage: no doubt this furoshiki was intended to be part of a bridal trousseau, as utilitarian cloth decorated with such high-minded imagery was presented to bride and groom during the Meiji Era and afterward.

Finally, the patched repair is stunning: blue, white and moss green patches are arrayed on the surface of the furoshiki in free symmetry, creating something that is visually dazzling.

This is a gorgeous, boro furoshiki, and one that is highly recommended for collectors and those who are intersted to start a collection of Japanese folk textiles.