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Gift cover (fukusa)
Japanese
Meiji era
late 19th or early 20th century
Object Place: Japan
Medium/Technique
Silk; gold metallic thread; embroidered (shishû), couched (koma-nui)
Dimensions
Height x width: 29 7/8 x 27 5/8 in. (75.9 x 70.2 cm)
Credit Line
William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession Number21.212
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsTextiles
DescriptionGift cover (fukusa) with design of a rooster on top of a drum (kanko-dori), a hen and two chicks, chrysanthemums and clouds in blue, green, yellow, reddish-orange, black, brown, gold and white silk embroidery and gold metallic thread couching; reddish-orange silk crepe (chirimen) backing and black and gold tassels (fusa) at each corner.
"The Drum with Fowls" motif is associated with a Chinese proverb indicating that "all is well." The addition of the hen and chicks symbolizes peace and prosperity within the family. This imagery is appropriate for a New Year's gift or various Shinto ceremonies celebrating milestones in one's life.
"The Drum with Fowls" motif is associated with a Chinese proverb indicating that "all is well." The addition of the hen and chicks symbolizes peace and prosperity within the family. This imagery is appropriate for a New Year's gift or various Shinto ceremonies celebrating milestones in one's life.
ProvenanceWilliam Sturgis Bigelow Collection; gift of William Sturgis Bigelow to the MFA on March 3, 1921