This rare and spiritually significant chirimen (silk crepe) fukusa (gift cover), dating to the late Edo period (1825–1868), depicts the foundational Shinto creator deities Izanagi and Izanami. Measuring 25 inches by 28 inches (64 cm x 71 cm), the textile uses an atmospheric, mist-filled cream ground to represent the celestial realm.

The central imagery illustrates the primordial pair standing upon the Heavenly Floating Bridge (Ame-no-ukihashi). Key elements of the composition include:

• The Divine Pair: Izanagi and Izanami are rendered with delicate facial features and flowing robes, their forms realized through a combination of fine painting and meticulous embroidery highlights.
• Ame-no-nuboko: Izanagi holds the "Jeweled Heavenly Spear," the instrument used to churn the chaotic waters of the earth to create the islands of Japan.
• Messenger Bird: In the lower foreground, a small bird perches upon a rock amidst swirling waves and reeds. This inclusion is highly symbolic, reflecting the Shinto belief that birds act as sacred messengers between the divine and human realms.

The textile is in very good condition and features a red artist's seal in the lower right corner, indicating its status as a piece of commissioned fine art.

This artwork is featured on pages 162-163 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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