Tsutsugaki ‘noshi’ futonji panel, Japan, Meiji (circa 1880), cm 96x33. a really lovely panel fragment from a bedding cloth (futonji), decorated in the so-called ‘tsutsugaki’ technique with the pattern of a ‘noshi’ in different tones of indigo and white. Noshi are kind of ceremonial origami (consisting of white paper folded with a strip of abalone, considered a token of good fortune) that are attached to gifts to express “good wishes”. The cotton is hand spun and hand woven, the design rendering is beautifully clear and the various shades of indigo have started to nicely fade. The cloth has just the right amount of wear and a small spot of staining. It still embodies the soulful, old Japanese feeling without being worn-out or sad from too much age. All in all, a very intriguing tsutsugaki panel, with a great visual impact and aging very nicely. Truly recommended.