Rectangular fukusa, which is used to ceremonially cover gifts. Taupe colored, finely ribbed silk basis on which the decoration is embroidered by hand in silk and gold thread. On three corners there is a tassel made out of twisted gold-thread.
The image shows two cranes, flying above the rising sun over crashing waves. This is an auspicious New Year’s image of the first sunrise of the year.
On the reverse is a family crest, embroidered by hand in thin, white silk. The crest is probably related to the Shimazu family who used to rule the Province Satsuma (today’s Kagoshima Prefecture).
H 22.8 x W 19.75 in.
Japan, Taisho era, 1910s-1920s
On the back the taupe silk is overall a bit chafed and soiled, with a thin brown stain, the silk on the family crest is broken in a few places. Gold thread on the front has some damages (coming loose in a few spots). All damages commensurate with usage and age. One tassel missing, overall folding creases from storage.
