fukusa, Japan, Taisho (circa 1920), cm 65x65. a fukusa is an elaborately decorated square of cloth used to cover a gift during its formal presentation. Since ceremonial procedures permeated all facets of Japanese life, including the giving of gifts, important families commissioned artists to create individual fukusa with the intent of indicating their position in society. They were a valued part of the family’s wealth and have been cherished and preserved for generations. Fukusa were usually hand woven of the finest silk, and decorated with designs whose symbolic motifs were significant to the families, and are often hand painted or embroidered in hand made pure silver or gold threads. The present lot has been boldly embroidered in white on a soft brown silk cloth, and lined with vivid red silk. Next to mint condition for a great looking thing.