This elegant silk uchishiki (altar cloth), dating to the Meiji period (1868–1912), serves as a striking example of high-status liturgical textile art. Measuring 37 inches along the base and 20 inches along each of the shorter sides, the triangular panel is crafted from a deep teal-blue silk with a durable asa (ramie) lining on the reverse.

The central focus of the cloth is the elaborate depiction of two paramount Japanese family crests (mon): the Paulownia and the Chrysanthemum (kiku). Both motifs are rendered using the koma-nui (couching) technique, where thick metallic gold threads are laid on the surface of the silk and secured with fine, nearly invisible stitches. Surrounding these golden emblems are vibrant Buddhist "treasure clouds" (zuiun) in shades of coral, sage green, and powder blue, which swirl across the field to signify a divine or auspicious atmosphere. While the piece exhibits light staining and discoloration consistent with its ritual use, the delicate handcrafted embroidery remains in good condition.

This artwork is featured on pages 46-47 of Ceremonial Textiles of Japan, 18th to 20th Centuries. This book, published by Yorke Antique Textiles, can be previewed or purchased on our website here.

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