Unknown Maker, Japanese

This design may be interpreted in several ways. It may be seen as utilizing a type of symbolism that is more like a pun than anything else, a type of metaphor whose subject bears a homophonic resemblance to another unrelated subject. For example, the rooster or cock embroidered on this cloth makes a sound in Japan that is understood as “kokka-koo.” The sound of this cry is the same as the spoken words that mean “happiness to our land.” Using this interpretation, although at first glance combat appears to be suggested, this scene may be one of peace and happiness rather than of strife.

These fukusa are fine examples of the exploitation of embroidery techniques to achieve a realistic surface. In describing the feathers of the rooster, long and short satin stitches are used, while the French knots on the cock's comb create a different texture. The fukusa with the rooster, hen, and chicks is appropriate for a New Year's or a wedding gift, as the five fowls traditionally symbolize conjugal harmony and a happy family. It could also be used for a boy's coming of age, as a wish for the child to possess all of the cock's virtues. Finally, this fukusa could have been used in autumn for ritual offerings to a shrine to celebrate an abundant harvest, as symbolized by the cock, who, according to the theory of the Five Elements, is on the western or autumnal meridian. The crane and turtle are symbols for the Old Couple of Takasago, known for their marital compatibility and longevity; thus this fukusa would have been appropriate for many festive occasions.