A Pieced Length of Kasuri Cotton: Well Covers and Paulownia

early to mid twentieth century
58" x 13", 147 cm x 33 cm

This is wonderful length of hand woven, indigo dyed kasuri cotton that has been put together from four pieces, each one machine stitched.

The woven kasuri pattern is striking and graphic: it shows alternating images of the traditional well cover motif with the equally traditional paulownia or kiri design, which is a stylized flower.

The handwoven cloth feels wonderful in the hand as the cloth is supple and has a nice weight.  The graphic impact of the pattern is not to be understated, and it is enhanced by what appears to be charcoal based ink dye that is mixed with the indigo, giving two subtle, dark tones: deep indigo and a charcoal black.

Just gorgeous.