A Very Large Full Five Panel Katazome Futon Cover: Auspicious Symbolism

late nineteenth century
85" x 64", 216 cm x 162.5 cm 

This is a generous amount of good, old, indigo dyed katazome--it is a very tall, large and full futon cover hand woven from hand spun yarns and it is intact. 

It is priced low for the reason that it will require work from you.

The back of the futon cover is covered with the original cotton wadding that was used to pad it, and the cotton fibers have adhered to the entire back of it. It will take a good deal of patience and time to remove these fibers.

The pattern which is resist dyed onto the cloth is also appealing: it shows vignettes of pine trees, cranes and tortoises which are symbols that convey a wish for long life. As well, alternately, there are images of "the cloak of invisibility" a folkloric motif which is meant to evoke the power of making oneself disappear or not to be seen.

The indigo is so dark as to read black and other than for the heavy layer of cotton wadding that needs to be removed from the back, this intact futon cover is in good, used condition.