This exquisite silk fukusa (gift cover), dating from the late Edo to mid-Meiji period (1825–1900), features a beautifully rendered scene of divine favor. Measuring 18 inches by 20 inches (45.7 cm x 50.8 cm), the textile is crafted from a dark, charcoal-grey silk ground that provides a sober and sophisticated backdrop for the central imagery.

The focal point is an embroidered depiction of Fukurokuju, one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin). He is instantly recognizable by his unnaturally high forehead, a symbol of his immense wisdom and longevity. Clad in patterned robes, he is shown in a compassionate moment with a crane, another potent symbol of long life in Japanese mythology. Together, these figures embody the wishes for good luck, wealth, and an extended, healthy life that a gift-giver would want to bestow upon a recipient. The piece is in very good condition and retains its four original light-green silk tassels at the corners.

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