Futon cover - four panel
Dateearly 20th century
Maker
Japanese
Label TextThis 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.
Object number92.47.299
Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, "Indigo" May 9, 2003 - October 19, 2003Credit LineGift of Frank D. Stout
Dimensions64 x 50 in. (162.56 x 127 cm)
MediumCotton cloth with indigo dye (stenci)
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