Japanese Fan Fukusa, 19th Century. Silk and metallic thread. Size: 26'' x 28'' (66 x 71 cm). Blue silk ground with embroidery done in mostly satin, running, and couched stitches. Two large fans are the central images surrounded by cherry blossom flowers. The top fan is densely embroidered with white and gold with a tree and birds in the center. The bottom fan is mostly just a gold outline, but some areas are embroidered with white and orange to create a checkered pattern. Small turtles are surrounded by what appears to be family crests. A gift wrap, or fukusa, was a traditional part of gift giving in 19th century Japan. They were also used in tea ceremonies. They typically have Japanese motifs such as fans, birds, and florals.

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