Framed Large Japanese Embroidery Silk Fukusa of Superb Quality Meiji Period

A large Japanese silk embroidery Fukusa panel circa 180-90s toward the end of Meiji Period framed and glazed. This is a very finely embroidered textile art with a tour-de-force chain stitches of goll foiled and colored threads showcasing a masked dancing figure on stage. The dancer in motion dons an elaborate robe with wide sleeves, a tassled belt and a hat. One hand he holds a fan. The masked dancer is most likely performing Bugaku, a clandestine dance reserved exclusively for entertaining the court, accompanied by Gagaku (Elegant Music). The contextual composition is wonderful in this piece. The stage was set among pines, with symbolic branches in the front and a realistic whole tree in the background surrounded by bamboo. The dimensional design of the space with the intentional truncation of the stage renders the piece a highly graphic appeal. Presented in a gilt wood frame and under glaze. The textile is 32 by 25.
Fukusa panel was traditionally used as wrapping cloth for the gift presented on the important occasions such as weddings. They tend to be textile art form on their own and often showcase elaborate needlework, Yuzen dye and painting.
The workmanship of this Fukusa is at the finest level and the attention to details could only be achieved by a master embroider. Made nearly entirely with chain stiches, the maker took the full advantage of the media to create a complex image.