Japanese stitch sample fold-out
Name/Title
Japanese stitch sample fold-outEntry/Object ID
2024.9.47Description
White sampler panel with 15 fold-out sections, each featuring their own embroidered semamori motif. Motifs are both geometric and pictorial, using orange, teal, and purple threads. Two tags with writing stitched to the top of the panel.Use
Sampler used to practice semamori motifs, which act as protective amulets when stitched on to clothing.Context
This is a semamori cho, a sampler which specifically features stitched "good luck" symbols/amulets. Semamori means "to protect the back," as it was believed that the devil came from behind a person. These motifs were most popular during the Edo and Taisho periods in Japan, and were stitched on the back of the clothing of babies and young children by their mothers and grandmothers to protect the wearer. Motifs have different meanings and purposes. For example, the crane in the bottom left corner indicates longevity.Category
Sample books, Samplers