This expansive cotton panel, dating to the Meiji period (1868–1912), is a bold example of tsutsugaki (paste-resist dyeing) on hand-loomed fabric. Measuring 60 inches by 80 inches (152 cm x 203 cm), the textile features a deep teal-indigo ground that highlights five large, symmetrically arranged family crests (mon).
The central motif is the butterfly (ageha-cho), a highly significant icon in Japanese culture associated with metamorphosis, transformation, and the spirits of the departed. Beyond their spiritual connections, butterflies are also celebrated as symbols of spring, happiness, and joy. Each crest is rendered in a crisp, white resist, showing the butterfly with upturned wings and detailed antennae. The panel is made of loosely-woven cotton and remains in good condition, though it bears authentic signs of age and use, including several small holes and visible staining that contribute to its rustic character.