An Elaborately Pictorial Length of Kasuri Cotton: Phoenixes and Paulownia

early twentieth century
56 1/2" x 12 3/4", 143.5 cm x 32.5 cm

This gorgeous length of indigo dyed cotton kasuri or ikat cloth is very possibly of the type made in what used to be called San'in, which is now  present day Tottori Prefecture in western Honshu.   

Often in San'in gasuri you will see images designed as this one is: a striped or plaid background against which a weft kasuri pattern is woven.  

This particular length of San'in gasuri is delightful for its visually rich and complex depiction of very traditional motifs, that of the legendary, ethereal phoenix and its terrestrial resting place, the paulownia flower.  The paulownia tree is said to be the only earthly mount the phoenix will alight upon, in fact it is said that the phoenix will quench its thirst by drinking dew from the blooms of the pauwlonia.

As is obvious by even a cursory glance at this length the three phoenixes and the three/plus paulownia blooms are incredibly detailed in their rendering. Their images appear thanks to the expert weavers who used the weft yarns of this length to show this elaborate design. Very impressive.

The length is in very good, used condition and it is striking in it beauty and its refinement.