Futon cover - four panel

early 20th century

This bedding cover features an indigo river filled with carp, fulfilling wishes for success as the owner sleeps. Just as the carp swim vigorously with an energetic whip of their tails, so they are known for their strength and determination. Such imagery is a reminder of a morality tale about a carp who transforms into a magnificent dragon by leaping up a waterfall at the end of its journey upstream. This story is said to be a dramatization of the phrase risshin shusse ("to succeed in life"), suggesting that one should strive against all odds. In counterpoint to the carp are peonies, whose foliage perfectly fills in the void between.

Cotton cloth with indigo dye (stenci)

64 x 50 in. (162.56 x 127 cm)

Gift of Frank D. Stout

92.47.299

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, "Indigo" May 9, 2003 - October 19, 2003

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

Learn more about Equity at SAM