This is a yutan, a traditional Japanese cloth made to cover a chest of drawers or a long storage chest. In the past, yutan were sometimes given as wedding gifts; later, they were often used to protect and decorate paulownia chests in the home. This one comes from the Taisho to early Showa period, with an emerald green colour, a striking family crest, and openings along the top for a display rod.

Unlike a modern decorative textile, this cloth belonged to a household and had a practical place in daily life. Its colour, proportions, and crest preserve that domestic history, while the condition marks show that it was used rather than made only for display.

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Japanese household textiles like this are increasingly appreciated by collectors, interior designers, and textile artists in Japan and overseas. Hang it as a textile artwork, use it as a distinctive interior covering, or preserve it whole as a record of Japanese domestic culture. It can also become material for a carefully considered remake, although its family crest and original proportions are worth living with before cutting.

One piece only. This is a genuine vintage textile, and no second example exists. Once it is gone, it will not return to the store.

Product Details

• Era: Taisho to early Showa period
• Material: Cotton
• Type: Yutan, a traditional chest-covering textile
• Colour: Emerald green
• Detail: Family crest and rod openings along the top

Size

• Vertical: approx. 104 cm / 40.9 in
• Width: approx. 111 cm / 43.7 in
• Depth: approx. 49 cm / 19.2 in

Please consider these measurements as a rough guide and allow for slight errors.

Condition

There are stains, discolouration, and tears in some places. As this is an old textile, please refrain from ordering if you are not comfortable with the character of aged materials.

We have washed it twice. A smell peculiar to antiques may remain. After ordering, damage or odour returning due to washing or wearing is not eligible for a refund or exchange. Please order only if you understand these conditions in advance.

The item will be compressed for shipping, so wrinkles may occur. Please allow for this when ordering.

Buying From Japan

Every piece at NAMBA SHOUTEN is sourced, inspected, photographed, and shipped by us from Japan. We describe condition honestly, including the flaws, because a vintage textile that hides its history is not worth owning. Orders ship worldwide with tracking.

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For questions about sizing, international shipping, customs, and returns, please visit our FAQ.