furoshiki cloth, Kaga district, Japan, Meiji (circa 1900), cm 93x86. 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 as an identification tool on a plain ground. In this case, however, the furoshiki is obtained by sewing together two matching mink-brown cotton cloths, where komon is placed on a corner of one side and the other side is gently hand-decorated with auspicious motifs such as pine needles (longevity) and crane (trustful fidelity). The so-called ‘yuzen’ dyeing technique has been used, and this allows to paint directly onto the cloth therefore obtaining an almost perfect pictorial rendering, a much useful way - started at the end of 17th century - to decorate kimonos. The high quality of cotton used and the refined and articulate drawing, let us think of an object aimed at a rather high-end market. Condition is good, with just some scattered age-stains but absolutely no wear from use; the cloth has possibly spent last hundred years folded in a chest of drawers. Ethereal and smart.