This monumental uchishiki (altar cloth), precisely dated to 1875 via an inscription on the reverse cotton lining, is a significant artifact from the early Meiji period. Measuring an impressive 84 inches by 51 inches (213 cm x 130 cm), the textile features a vibrant crimson background crafted from a durable bast fiber.

The central composition is dominated by a large, dramatically rendered phoenix (ho-o). The bird is meticulously embroidered using a combination of lustrous silk and metallic gold threads. Its tail feathers fan out across the upper field in a broad arc, while its wings are depicted in mid-motion with deep indigo and sage-green accents. While the piece remains in good condition, its long history of ritual use is evident in minor holes, staining, and small areas of loose embroidery—particularly around the bird's legs—and it bears a record of a professional repair made in 1973.

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