A Length of Jishiro Katazome: Blue-on-White Interlocking Circles

early twentieth century
36" x 13 1/4", 91.5 cm x 33.5 cm

This is a length of jishiro katazome cotton which means that it is a blue-on-white pattern versus the more common white-on-blue. The indigo tone shown here has faded or oxidized to a grey-blue color which softens the boldness of the large-scale design.

The image is that of the interlocking circles or shippo tsunagi and this is a traditional pattern that is often seen on folk textiles like this one. This length has been taken from a futon cover.

Within each of the interlocked circles there is a stylized chrysanthemum image, quite abstracted, that adds visual interest to the overall design.

On the right hand side of the length a sliver of selvedge is missing about half way down the panel. As well there is an ingrained crease a bit of overall light fading to the piece, a detail of which is shown on one of the accompanying images.