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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