A Large Tsutsugaki Dyed Futon Cover: Diamond Flower Crest
early twentieth century
59 1/2" x 55", 151 cm x 139.5 cm
This old, indigo dyed hand woven cotton textile is of good size and shows a tsutsugaki dyed image of a family crest, that of the "diamond flower."
This large-sized cloth was once used a futon cover. However please note the central panel which is of half-width to the two panels that flank it on both sides.
This inserted panel indicates that before this was a flat futon cover it started out being a kimono-shaped duvet called a yogi. It is often the case that these kimono-shaped duvet are re-made into a simpler form of a duvet as was the case here.
The deeply indigo dyed cloth is woven from hand spun cotton yarns which yields the rich texture of this old futon cover and the muted tones of blue. Please note that in reality the central crest is a bit less in contrast to the deep-toned ground than the photos here show. The family crest, when seen in real life, is fairly dark in tone.
The futon cover is in good, used condition.
Grand in its presence and beautiful to look at this old tsutsugaki cloth is very much recommended and will certainly offer a lifetime of visual pleasure.
