A Length of Katazome Dyed Cotton: Indian Inspired Pattern

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
32 1/2" x 12 3/4", 82.5 cm x 32.5 cm

The beauty of this length of complex patterned, indigo dyed katazome cotton rests not just in its intricate, Indian-inspired pattern but also for the luscious hand spun cotton yarns that were used to weave this length of old cloth.

The pattern itself is a faded repeat of fantasy flowers, the kind you might find on Indian or Persian cloth, but re-imagined in a Japanese sort of way.

The indigo dye has faded or oxidized to a kind of medium-toned grey-blue color and the gorgeous hand spun cotton yarns which are used to weave this length are more obvious because of the fading and the surface wear we see on this length.

The pattern is somewhat exotic and it references the Japanese interest in foreign cloth and their curiosity and esteem for the export cloth of India.

Beautiful.