Antique Japanese Kofu Indigo Tsutsugaki Fabric Kaioke Shell Motif 145cm

This is an antique Japanese kofu (old textile), likely dating from the late Edo to Meiji period.

The fabric is dyed in a deep indigo blue and decorated with a traditional resist-dyed design. The central motif appears to depict a kaioke, a traditional shell-matching box associated with the Japanese kai-awase game, surrounded by various shell motifs.

Kaioke and shells were traditionally regarded as auspicious motifs, particularly associated with marriage and harmony.

The textile is made from two narrow handwoven panels joined vertically at the center. The irregular texture of the weave suggests an old handwoven bast-fiber textile, possibly hemp or ramie, although the exact fiber has not been confirmed.

It can be displayed as an antique textile, wall hanging, table textile, or used creatively as a scarf or wrapping cloth.

SIZE
145.0 × 67.0 cm
57.1 × 26.4 in

CONDITION
This is an antique textile showing considerable natural age and wear. There is fading, discoloration, small holes, fraying, stains, and other signs of age and use.

Please carefully review all photos for the condition and details.