Chōji (Cloves Family Crest)

The circular motif in the center is “choji,” the Japanese family crest for cloves. The image comes about from a resist-stencil-dyeing technique on indigo known as katazome in Japan. The image is outlined with stitching in Japanese sashiko-style hand embroidery. Both commercial and vintage fabric borders frame the central square, and the piece is both hand and machine quilted. Buttons at the bottom offset and balance a large seashell at the top.

Size: 13.25” Ht. 15.25” W.