Framed Antique Japanese Embroidery Fukusa Panel

A finely embroidered Japanese silk Fukusa panel presented in a beautiful brocade-wrapped fame. Circa late 19th century of Meiji Period, Fukusa is a traditional Japanese textile art used to wrap and present gifts at important occasions. Depending on the occasion, the panel itself can be a very fine textile art on its own. On the deep blue background, this elaborate textile art depicts an old man with long beard and a protruding forehead. He represents Fukurokuju, the deity of longevity and wisdom in Japanese folklore, derived from "The Old Man of the South Pole" in Chinese mythology. He is seen with a crane on his back, a bird that is also a symbol of long life. Holding a cane in one hand, he opens a scroll on the other to an old couple, showing them the painting of an old pine tree in front of Mount Fuji. The old couple is Jotomba (Joo and Uba are their names), characters in the Legend of Takasago, one of the oldest Japanese mythologies, who are associated with old pines.
"At Takasago Shrine there is a very old pine tree, the trunk of which is bifurcated; in it dwells the spirit of the Maiden of Takasago who was seen once by the son of Izanagi who fell in love and wedded her. Both lived to a very great age, dying at the same hour on the same day, and since then their spirits abide in the tree, but on moonlight nights they return to human shape to revisit the scene of their earthly felicity and pursue their work of gathering pine needles. His pine tree is called “The Pine of Suminoe” while hers is "Takasago pine". The old woman is using a broom to sweep away troubles and he carries a rake to rake in good fortune. In front of the old couple, there is also a Minogame, the long-lived turtle with long strands of algae growing from their shells. Another famous Japanese symbol of longevity.
In Japan, Takasago couple is associated with wedding ceremony as they invoke a long and fruitful married life for the newlyweds. It is most likely that the fukusa was used to wrap an important wedding gift. The embroidery work on this large Fukusa is impressive in its details. To create this piece, a wide range of techniques were used masterfully when viewed in detail. A fine piece full of auspicious symbolism.
The panel itself is 22,75" W x 23.75" H.