A Tsutsugaki Dyed Futon Cover: Stark, Beautifully Placed Crest

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
64" x 56 1/2", 162.5 cm x 143.5 cm

The stark central placement of the tsutsugaki dyed crest as it resides in relation to the area of indigo dyed cotton around it is beautiful. Its pared-down presentation represents a classic Japanese design point of view which is universally admired for its economy of decoration and its flawless use of proportion.

The futon cover is a repuporsed yogi or a kimono-shaped duvet.

We know this by the half-width panel inserted in the center of the futon cover: yogi were constructed in this way and yogi were often repurposed to become futon covers.

The centrally placed family crest is that of a lozenge or diamond; this is an ancient design. The lozenge is set within a roundel delineated by two white lines. The rich indigo tone that colors this family crest is a beautiful blue color.

The futon cover is in very good, used condition and any shadows you might see in some of the close up photos of the crest are just that, they are tricks of light and they are not stains.

This piece is boldly designed and demonstrates the visual power to be found in perfected simplicity.

Recommended.