A Large and Dramatically Graphic Furoshiki: Gigantic Pine Needles

early twentieth century
57" x 57", 145 cm x 145 cm

This is a quite large, resist dyed, cotton furoshiki which is a traditional carrying/hauling/storage cloth of a type that is still in wide use in Japan today.

The design is just wonderful, and it is so much better when seen in person which is the way you can appreciate the impressive scale of the design as it inhabits this cloth.

The cloth is separated into two color zones--grey and a dull reddish tone--and this is done on the diagonal.

The resist dyed central divide is that of a stylized pair of pine needles.

Pine needle pairs are a powerful symbol in the Japanese lexicon as they convey both a wish for a long life as well as for conjugal fidelity: pine needles fall in pairs.

The cloth is hand stitched from two very wide pieces of cotton. There is scuffing, fading and wear to the surface as well as a few pits, small stains and a repaired patch all of which are shown here on the detail photos that accompany this post. As well, because the piece was used for hauling, the center of the cloth is distended from wear.

When displayed this piece has real effect and is an impressive thing to look at. It was said to have been made in Shimane prefecture where distinctive types of dyeing are practiced.

Just wonderful.

Recommended.