Fukusa (Gift Cover)
19th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This textile cover is called a ‘fukusa’. Traditionally in Japan, gifts were placed in a box on a tray, over which a fukusa was draped. The choice of a fukusa appropriate to the occasion was an important part of the gift-giving ritual. The richness of the decoration was an indication of the donor’s wealth, and the quality of the design evidence of his or her taste and sensibility. The scenes depicted on this fukusa are executed in gold embroidery which looks particularly striking against the rich, blue ground.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Embroidered satin with gold thread, gilt paper twisted around silk |
| Brief description | Cover of embroidered satin in gold thread, Japan, 19th century |
| Physical description | Cover of dark blue satin, embroidered in gold thread with strips of gilt paper twisted around the silk. At the corners are long tassels of twisted green silk and gold thread. The cover represents the Castle of Osaka and landscapes. The walled castle of Osaka is shown surrounded by water. In front of the castle is a long carved bridge. There are six other landscapes consisting of a walled island, a temple, houses and wooded hills. A Fukusa is a cover for a box containing a gift. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | Purchased from Mr. J. Impey (19 Wharncliffe Gardens, St. John's Wood, N.W.), accessioned in 1910. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This textile cover is called a ‘fukusa’. Traditionally in Japan, gifts were placed in a box on a tray, over which a fukusa was draped. The choice of a fukusa appropriate to the occasion was an important part of the gift-giving ritual. The richness of the decoration was an indication of the donor’s wealth, and the quality of the design evidence of his or her taste and sensibility. The scenes depicted on this fukusa are executed in gold embroidery which looks particularly striking against the rich, blue ground. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.47-1910 |
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| Record created | December 19, 2005 |
| Record URL |
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