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| Item | Celebratory Marital Tsutsugaki Indigo Cotton Futon Cover Here a Japanese Onagadori Foul (chicken) has been substituted for the Image of the traditional Ho-Ou (Phoenix Bird). See Comments below about this curious, indigenously developed Japanese Onagadori foul. Paulownia Tree Leaf images accents. According to Buddhist lore, the Japanese Phoenix represents wisdom & energy. The story says that Buddha was deep in meditation when the Phoenix appeared and blessed upon him these sustaining qualities and at the same time, by its ample wing spread, protected him from the assaults of evil spirits during his reflection time. The Hou-ou auspiciously appears only in peaceful and prosperous times when it nests exclusively in paulownia trees. It is a symbol of peace (when the bird appears) and a symbol of disharmony (when the bird disappears). |
Age |
Early 1900s |
| Fabric | 100% Cotton
Homespun, Hand Loomed, all natural dyes Hand stitched solid indigo fabric backing. |
Size |
4.9 X 6.2 feet 150 X 190 cm Medium-Heavy Weight, Strong, Thick, Soft Fabric 2.5 lb, 1121 g |
Condition |
Very Good Condition Slightly Faded A few small holes and light repairs (see photos) Image registration is precise. |
| Comments | The onagadori is a unique variety of Japanese chicken first bred in Japan 200 years ago. Onagadori History This textile is a rare find. The craftsman who created this tsutstugaki textile replaced the common Chinese derived Phoenix or Red Bird (Hou-Ou) with the image of a Japanese onagadori chicken. The onagadori is characterized by very long tail feathers, some easily reaching more than 10 feet in length. See the last image in the slide show to view the magnificent onagadori. The Paulownia is considered a tree of good luck and of life in Japan. At the birth of a daughter, a family often planted the Paulownia in honor of the happy event. Once the daughter was married, the tree would be cut down to make a special chest of drawers for her bridal dowry. Folklore also has it that “when the tree was planted close to the house, a mythical Phoenix bird would appear and bring the family good luck.” Alongside its cultural significance, it has medicinal purposes which vary, with some using the sweet-smelling lilac flowers as a cure for skin ailments. |
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