Suntory Museum of Art
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Notable Works
Tsutsugaki futon cover with myriad treasures motifs

Notable Works

Textiles

Tsutsugaki futon cover with myriad treasures motifs

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Number of components: 1
Format and materials: Cotton, Tsutsugaki, Indigo dye, Irosashi
Dimensions (in cm): L. 195.0, W. 161.5
Date of production: Meiji period - Showa period First half of the 20th century

In tsutsugaki, a type of paste resist dyeing, rice paste glue is put in a paper tube, then squeezed out of the cut end to draw designs on a piece of fabric. It spread throughout Japan from the mid-Edo period. Tsutsugaki was used to apply lavish patterns to the covers for special futon for guests or weddings. This example has a large cloak of invisibility motif in the background. To it, with tsutsugaki, were applied a variety of auspicious motifs, including the seven treasures, cloves, tachibana citrus fruit, amulet, and horn cup motifs. The cloak of invisibility and hat of invisibility, motifs believed to be able to conceal the wearer, are often positioned at the center of the futon fabric, incorporating the meaning of protecting the sleeping, and thus defenseless, person.

Notable Works

Tsutsugaki futon cover with myriad treasures motifs

SUNTORY MUSEUM of ART