Kasuri, Ikat, Futon-ji, Bed Cover, Cloth. Antique Japanese Textile; Thiel Collection

Kasuri (Ikat) Indigo-Dyed Four-Panel Futon-ji (Bed Cover) Cloth. Antique Japanese Textile. Futon-ji were often given as wedding gifts, or gifts for a new family member, and decorated with auspicious symbols (especially for fertility, long life, or good luck). This one has a classic kasuri "ichimatsu" (checkerboard) pattern which could symbolize a well here, with images of "cranes" (carp), which symbolize long life and fidelity (as cranes often have a single mate for life). As such, this was possibly part of a bridal trousseau. The area of Kurume in Fukuoka Prefceture was well-known for making such kasuri futon-ji, and this item could have been from there or another kasuri weaving/dyeing center in Japan. This cloth would have been the top of the bed cover, with a plain bottom cloth and cotton wadding in-between. There is one small patch on the back of the fabric. L. 56.5"(144cm) x W. 47.5"(121cm).   The Thiel Family has graciously allowed me to select a number of items from their paren