Tsutsugaki Futon Cover

This is a large central panel from a kakebuton cover (the doona like part of a futon ensemble).   It measures 132cm x 163 cm. The borders and backing of kakebuton were plain  and covered with another washable cover which is why  usually only these central decorative  panels are kept. This  is made up of four strips of handwoven cotton with an overall  tsutsugaki ('cone drawing') design of  karagusa ('Chinese grass') ,peonies and a butterfly.   Tstusugaki involves hand drawing the design  with a tsutsu cone ( like a piping bag)  in rice-paste resist before dyeing with indigo.   Tsutsugaki often has multiple layers of various colours added but this  piece is very simple and dynamic with just two  clear shades of indigo.  After the initial lines have been drawn  with the resist (which remain white) the  cloth is dyed to achieve the light blue which is then also covered in resist to maintain that shade while the rest of the garment is  repeatedly dyed to get the dark indigo.  This  dates  to late 19th - early 20th century but is in beautiful  condition  with some imperfections in the colour (see photo)

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