During the Edo Period, Futonji (mattress covers) and yogi (sleeping garment) were part of a bride’s personal possessions, often prepared by her parents. Decorative elements symbolize wishes for a happy and auspicious marriage and life. A rice paste resist technique, called tsutsgaki, is used to create the patterns and figurative elements.
The Japanese dye vat style is called a fermentation vat. In the bacterial-based process, pre-composted leaves, called sukumo, are added to vats that are set deep into the ground to further ferment and create “indigo white.” Dyers use rice bran, rice wine, honey, or lime to speed up the fermentation process. Usually, several vats exist at once with a delicate balance of feeding the vat organic materials to create the perfect conditions. Vats are often grouped in fours so that a fire can be lit between them to maintain a gentle warmth.
left to right
Futonji (Mattress Cover)
Unidentified Maker
About 1800–1880
Japan
Cotton, indigo
Gift of Barb Rich, 2014-11-046
Yogi (Sleeping Garment)
Unidentified Maker
About 1830–1900
Japan
Hemp, indigo, dyes, ink
Gift of Barb Rich, 2014-11-060
Yogi (Sleeping Garment)
Unidentified Maker
About 1800–1880
Japan
Hemp, indigo, dyes, ink
Gift of Barb Rich, 2014-11-058
Yogi (Sleeping Garment)
Unidentified Maker
About 1830–1900
Japan
Hemp, indigo, dyes, ink
Gift of Barb Rich, 2014-11-062
Gallery View, Yogi Installation, Mingei International Museum. Photograph by Ron Kerner, 2024.