A Tsutsugaki Dyed Furoshiki: Portion of a Yogi

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
30 1/2" x 31 1/2", 77.5 cm x 80 cm

This is an indigo dyed furoshiki which is a traditional, square-shaped carrying cloth. Furoshiki are still in popular use all over Japan.

Most of the surface of the furoshiki is taken up by a large-scale family crest showing zingiber or the ginger flower. In Japanese this flower is referred to as myoga, a word, when written, can be conflated to the idea of divine protection.

The family crest is dyed in the tsutsugaki or freehand paste resist method and it has slightly yellowed from age.

It is interesting to note the construction of this piece which shows a narrow panel in the center of two full-width panels. This indicates that this cloth was taken from a yogi or a kimono-shaped duvet: it was not uncommon in old Japan for cloth to be recycled or re-purposed in this way.

Aside from the slight yellowing of the undyed areas this cloth it is in good, used condition--and the graphic appeal of this old furoshiki is high.