Object size: (with tassels) 104.0 x 85.0 cm
In Japan, the practice of formally presenting gifts with silk covers called fukusa began in the Edo period (1603–1868), around the late 17th or early 18th century. These covers were draped or folded over gifts for a variety of occasions, from seasonal festivities to important personal events. Each fukusa was carefully chosen to evoke the circumstance of the gift and to convey a message to the recipient through its design. Fukusa designs often feature symbolic objects or allusions to Japanese and Chinese stories. The choice of fukusa also reflected the giver’s wealth, taste, erudition, and cultural sensitivity. The use of fukusa continued into the early 20th century. Today, they are used in parts of Japan for weddings and corporate events. As emblems of longevity, cranes are motifs suitable for a variety of auspicious occasions. Pairs of cranes also express conjugal bliss. The embroiderer has used a variety of techniques to depict the birds’ plumage. Round knots (sagara-nui) evoke the texture of their red crowns. A split in the gold threads at the edge of one wing shows how cords were placed underneath the embroidery to create a sense of three-dimensionality.
