three vertical panels sewn together with circular floral design; black background with pink, orange, red, green, blue, and yellow flowers, leaves, and gray branches over a blue ring with a brown and black bird and pink flower making a smaller ring at the center

Wrapping cloth (uchikui) with circular floral design, 19th century

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Okinawan textiles sometimes incorporated design motifs from mainland Japan, a tradition that probably grew out of the maritime trade. Here, stylized depictions of pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms are arranged in a circle. Together they make a common motif in the arts of Japan, known as the “Three Friends of Winter” (shōchikubai), which symbolizes longevity, perseverance, and renewal. Both symbols of longevity, a crane and a tortoise decorate the center, thus suggesting that this uchikui was used to cover or wrap gifts for ceremonies such as weddings.

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Details
Title
Wrapping cloth (uchikui) with circular floral design
Role
Maker
Accession Number
2019.20.144
Provenance
Jack Lenor Larsen
Catalogue Raisonne
Murray et al. 2018, pl. 159
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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three vertical panels sewn together with circular floral design; black background with pink, orange, red, green, blue, and yellow flowers, leaves, and gray branches over a blue ring with a brown and black bird and pink flower making a smaller ring at the center