Edo Period Uchishiki Altar Cloth

Brocade (probably Nishiki brocade)  uchishiki Buddhist altar cloth.  These cloths were  usually donated to temples  and varying degress of detail were recorded on the back - I haven't translated all the text  but it was  definitely made in 1858.  (4th year of Ansei and also 'hinotomi' - 54th year of zodiac cycle  starting in 1804).  It was made for  the  Entsuji Temple.  There are  well-known Entsuji Temples in both  Kyoto and Tokyo, and probably elsewhere, so I can't say which one it might have been. 

This is a large cloth approx 200cm x 127 cm.  Like most uchishiki it  has a  panel of plain white fabric along  one edge which is the part which was placed on top of the altar  so that it didn't matter if it was damaged by incense etc - this one has some water stains.  The brocade is  in good, but not perfect,  condition for its age.  The weaving is worn in parts and definitely needs a  home away from sunlight.  A rare and lovely old treasure!

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