This rare and intellectually profound silk fukusa (gift cover), dating to the first quarter of the 19th century (1800–1825), illustrates the Buddhist concept of impermanence through a captivating maritime illusion. Measuring 33 inches by 26 inches (84 cm x 66 cm), the textile features a blue satin silk ground dominated by a massive, gold-couched clam resting amidst turbulent, stylized waves. From the clam's breath emerges a sprawling, celestial palace complex—a phenomenon known in Japanese folklore as Shinkiro (the clam’s mirage).

The artwork is a testament to extraordinary craftsmanship; the complex palace architecture, pine trees, and swirling mists are rendered entirely in metallic couching. This technique involves laying gold threads on the surface and securing them with nearly invisible silk stitches. Philosophically, the imagery serves as a visual metaphor for the illusory nature of the material world, teaching that recognizing the transience of "palaces in the air" is the key to dissolving greed and hatred. Despite some fading and silk splitting along the beni-red lining, the extensive gold work remains remarkably intact, which is rare for a textile of this age.

This artwork is featured on pages 204-207 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.

The piece is also featured on page 86 of the autumn 2019 edition of HALI magazine.

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