Wrapping Cloth (furoshiki) (Japan), 19th century (CH 18488999-2)

Square carrying cloth (furoshiki) with the design of a bundle of seaweed and a flowering branch in the center of a blue-green ground. Light blue crest in one corner. Three pieces of fabric sewn together, the outer two selvage to selvage widths, joined prior to dyeing. The linear pattern is achieved by a resist paste. Four corner reinforced by three rows of running stitches radiating from the corner. Two sides reinforced by double row of running stitches. Top and bottoms hemmed. Small tassel at each corner.