A Patched Length of Kurume Gasuri: Indigo Dyed Cotton Ikat

mid twentieth century
55" x 12 1/4", 139.75 cm x 32.5 cm

This is a vibrant length of indigo dyed cotton that was woven in the kasuri or ikat method, wherein the cotton yarns were tied before they were dyed in order to create a pattern or image once the yarns are woven into cloth.

This boldly geometric kasuri comes from Kurume on Kyushu Island; it is rather unmistakably referential to this place, a famous center for kasuri weaving.  You will see that this length of cloth is composed of two separate pieces of cotton which have been hand stitched together.

The pattern is lovely and very graphic; the white-on-blue is striking and the five or so small cotton patches add to the appeal.

Aside from a bit surface wear, please do note a stain to the white, undyed area of the cloth shown in detail on the accompanying photographs.

A beautifully bold length of old cotton.