A Length of Kurume Kasuri: Geometry

early to mid twentieth century
40" x 13 1/2", 101.5 cm x 34.25 cm

This is a fragment from a length of kasuri weaving from Kurume, an area of Kyushu which is known for its bold, geometric kasuri designs, usually very contrasting white-on-dark as this one is.

The design is stark and rich, and you can tell that were you to see more of the bolt, the X would alternate with the complex cluster of crosses over and again.

What is very nice is to look into the white, undyed areas and to see the skidding of indigo dye as it made its way into the resisted areas of the yarns during dyeing: this variant within the white color adds character.

A very handsome length of indigo dyed cotton cloth and one with an excellent design.