Fukusa (Gift Cover)
1800-1850 (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. This fukusa is beautifully embroidered with the image of an elephant being washed. In 1798 two elephants were taken to Japan. Their apperance aroused great interest and excitement, and one of them was presented to the shôgun (military leader). The design on this fukusa implies that the gift it covers is likewise a great rarity that has been carefully prepared.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Satin silk (<i>shusu</i>), with embroidery in silk and metallic thread |
| Brief description | Fukusa (gift cover), satin silk with embroidery in silk and metal-wrapped thread, Japan, 1800-1850 |
| Physical description | Fukusa (gift cover) of embroidered blue satin silk, depicting a white elephant being washed by numerous figures. Some are on the ground are preparing water while one is scrubbing the haunches of the elephant with a brush on a long pole. Others have climbed up a ladder to scrub the back on the enormous creature. The two elephant handlers - one sitting behind the ears and the other on the ground holding the rope around the elephant's front leg - are conversing. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Credit line | Given by Mr T. B. Clarke-Thornhill |
| Object history | Registered File number 1973/946. |
| 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. This fukusa is beautifully embroidered with the image of an elephant being washed. In 1798 two elephants were taken to Japan. Their apperance aroused great interest and excitement, and one of them was presented to the shôgun (military leader). The design on this fukusa implies that the gift it covers is likewise a great rarity that has been carefully prepared. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.94-1927 |
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| Record created | February 24, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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