This exceptional chirimen (silk crepe) fukusa, dating from the late Edo to early Meiji period (1840–1880), is a masterful display of traditional Japanese textile artistry. Measuring 28 inches by 31 inches (71.1 cm x 78.7 cm), the piece depicts a serene family scene featuring a cock, a hen, and their chicks foraging beneath cascading wisteria blossoms. In Japanese culture, the rooster and hen often symbolize martial courage and maternal protection, while the wisteria (fuji) represents elegance and a long-lived lineage.

The technical execution is top-tier, utilizing refined yuzen-dyeing for the delicate color gradients in the wisteria and the soft down of the chicks. The rooster is particularly striking, accented with sagara (knot) embroidery to provide a three-dimensional, "bumpy" texture to his plumage. Fine embroidery is also used throughout to define the sharp curves of the rooster's long tail feathers and the gnarled bark of the vine. This piece remains in very good condition with only minor imperfections.

This artwork is featured on pages 164-167 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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