Description
This is a marvelous Fukusa, or formal gift cover, that has been hand woven of Shioze Silk, and still retains its original tassels which were tied to reveal the era in which it was created. This is a hard-edged and very strong silk that was not easily produced in old Japan. It has been hand dyed using natural dyes and painted, with the artist’s signature and seal.
The design appears to be a woodblock on silk, a very unusual and rare form of decoration for a Fukusa. It is a very laborious and time consuming process favored by the upper classes when they commissioned their gift cover from famous artisans. This is a unique Fukusa because of its size and the quality of the Silk. The rendition of children preparing for a festival is charming. The details on their costumes are intricate and quite colorful, while the children themselves are painted in a style called “Karako” or “little happy people.” Their faces are whitened, and painted as if to portray them as dolls. The Fukusa bears a signature, as well as the artists seal.
All four gold tassels are still attached. This family-owned, personally commissioned from the artist, gift cover was a family heirloom and a thing of beauty. (top photo: true color)
A Certificate of Authenticity is included.
TTAC will personally pack and ship via UPS at company expense within the continental U.S.