Japanese Embroidery Silk Bamboo Fukusa Meiji Period

A Japanese silk embroidery Fukusa panel circa 1890-1910s toward the end of Meiji Period. On the deep blue satin background, the artist showcases a clump of bamboos in a realistic style. Two shades of gold threads were used in the composition in order to create a depth of field by suggesting the different light reflection. Tightly embroidered threads in chain stitches with interval couched knots created a very textured surface for the big culms and nodes. Slight looser chain stitches were used to create the individual leaves. Small shadows stitches away from end of the tip of the leaves added a subtle but poetic touch, creating motion and depth of the field. Bamboo is one of the most beloved plants in Japan and found prevalently in all art forms.
The panel was lined with some interior hemp support and has a thin red raw silk border all around and the backing. It is unframed.
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.