Furoshiki cloth, Japan, late Meiji (circa 1910), cm 107x113. Furoshiki were (and still are to some extent) wrapping cloths used when carrying small personal belongings, or to eventually wrap a gift to be presented. They usually display a large family crest (komon) in the centre on a plain ground. The present lot deviates from such an arrangement with a smaller pawlonia motif komon placed on the top left, whereas the main character is played by a bamboo tree and leaves (an icon of moral integrity in Japanese symbolism). Two joined cotton panels, dyed in the tsutsugaki technique onto a rich green background, achieved by over-dyeing the typical indigo with a yellow dye. Condition is very good, with only very minimal signs of age and use. a bold and lovely item.