This striking silk fukusa (gift cover), dating to the late Meiji period (1880–1912), features a bold heraldic design centered on a traditional Japanese family crest. Measuring 27 inches by 32 inches (68.5 cm x 81 cm), the textile is crafted from a deep indigo-navy silk ground, which serves as a dramatic canvas for the central motif.
The focal point is a large mulberry (kaji) crest, meticulously rendered through compacted metallic couching. In Japanese culture, the mulberry tree holds deep religious significance; historically, its leaves were fashioned into vessels for food offerings at Shinto shrines, and its bark was used to create sacred garments for the gods. This divine association led to its adoption as a prestigious family emblem, most notably associated with the Suwa Shrine and its followers. The central leaf is encircled by scrolling golden vines, further emphasizing the elegance of the design. The piece is in very good condition and features a luxurious rinzu (silk damask) lining on the reverse, along with four seafoam-green silk tassels.