1986.49 Bedding cover (futonji) with fans and flowers

The folding fan (ogi) appears frequently on Japanese textiles, as a simplified form scattered across the surface of a Noh robe or as the nucleus of a design, as on this bedding cover. Painted with stylized landscapes in typical colors of blue, gray, gray-green, orange, and brown, two fans have elaborately garlanded handles whose flowing lines repeat the graceful curves of the orange, tasseled cords behind them. Blue-leaved peonies complete the composition with an auspicious symbol. 

As on other futonji, the designs are outlined in white against dark blue. Drawn with paste held by a metal-tipped tube (tsutsu), the white outlining represents the original, undyed color of the cloth, which protected by the layer of paste, resisted the indigo dye into which the textile was dipped. Because the indigo did not dissolve the paste, dark blue became the standard ground color for these textiles. 

Geography 
Japan (nation): TGN: 1000120

Process/materials
cotton (fiber): AAT: 300183670
hand weaving: AAT: 300053643
handspinning: AAT: 300053662
resist dyeing (textile dyeing processes and techniques): AAT: 300053053

Historical periods
nineteenth century (dates CE): AAT: 300404513
twentieth century (dates CE): AAT: 300404514
Meiji: AAT: 300018567

Subject terms
fans (costume accessories): AAT: 300258857
flower (motif): AAT: 300375563
textiles (visual works): AAT: 300014063

n.d.: R.L. Sneider Inc., Consultants on Asia 

1986: Mary Bloom, purchase from R-L Sneider Inc., Consultants on Asia, New York City 

 

1986: Dallas Museum of Art, gift of Mary and Robert H. Bloom 

The main source for this provenance is the Deed of Gift, dated September 30, 1986, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records object file. Supporting documentation is noted. 

[1] See the invoice from R-L Sneider Consultants on Asia to Mary Bloom, dated June 5, 1986, copy in object file. 

Apply to objects where number equals 1986.49