19th C. Japanese Fukusa Silk Goldwork Embroidery Turtle and Wise Man

Description

Richly colored antique hand embroidered couched goldwork Asian silk fukusa gift presentation textile featuring an elderly noble Chinese or Japanese … more Richly colored antique hand embroidered couched goldwork Asian silk fukusa gift presentation textile featuring an elderly noble Chinese or Japanese man ensconced in a metallic gold circle of clouds, possibly symbolic of the universe. Figure is carrying a lantern and appears to be waterside with a turtle, long revered as a symbol of longevity, power, and tenacity. Blue silk area is stitched to a red silk crepe background and finished in the top left corner with a 5" long tassel. Total area (not including the tassel) measures 27"W x 29"H x .15"D; blue area only, 25"W x 27"H.

Some degradation is evident to the silk ground near the outside edges due to age. This is an ideal piece to have conservation-framed for wall display as a true piece of textile art and handcrafted workmanship. Wonderful to frame as an unusual wall decor piece, or textile could be cut down and made into a decorative pillow. We are not sure of the exact age of this piece, but date it to the 19th century or earlier. The quality of workmanship is extraordinary. Historically the metallic goldwork couching applied in this piece was reserved for only the best and most significant works due to its expense and difficulty. We have another piece of similar work featuring a foo dog available in our "Home Lab" shop on Chairish that would be a wonderful companion piece. less