"Gift cover (fukusa)\n1840\u201370\n\nThe flock of cranes decorating this gift cover (fukusa) conveys wishes for long life and happiness. The lavish design suggests a wealthy donor. It is executed almost totally in gold-wrapped thread, which is attached to the surface of the fabric with barely visible red stitches. The wings of the birds are padded to enhance the three-dimensional effect. The embroidery looks particularly striking against the dark blue satin ground. [68]\n\nProbably Kyoto\nSatin silk with embroidery in silk and metal-wrapped threads\nGiven by Mrs Watts\nMuseum no. T.20-1923\n [04/11/2015]\nGift cover (fukusa)\nBlue satin-weave silk embroidered with silk and gold wrapped threads in satin stitch and couching.\nJapanese; c.1840-1870\nT.20-1923\nWatts Gift\n\nThe flock of cranes decorating this fukusa convey wishes for long life and happiness. Cranes were believed to live for a thousand years and to inhabit Mount Horai, the land of the immortals. They are one of the most common motifs in Japanese art. This fukusa would have been appropriate for celebrations of birthdays and weddings.\n\nThe design is executed almost totally with gold wrapped thread which is couched down with stitches that are virtually invisible to the naked eye. The wings of the birds are also padded. The embroidery looks particularly striking against the indigo blue background, which became a popular choice for fukusa from about 1850.\n\nThis fukusa was presented to an Englishman, William Rogers, at the Emperor's Palace in Japan in 1874. His sister gave it to the Museum in 1923. [December 1993]"@en . . . .