A Large Scale Kasuri Panel from a Futon Cover: Yabane

ca. mid twentieth century
58" x 13 1/2", 147.25 cm x 34 cm

This length of chocolate brown-colored cotton cloth is dyed in the kasuri or ikat method, a techinque wherein yarns are resisted before they are dyed so that, when woven, they produce patterns in the finished cloth.

This cotton panel, taken from a futon cover, shows a bold repeat of resist dyed, broken chevrons which, in fact, is a traditional Japanese design motif called yabane or arrow feather.  There are three, vertical bars of warp-based striping that further decorate cloth, as well as a weft-based and delicate striped effect.

This handsome and graphically interesting cloth is in good, used condition with the exception of one hole which is shown in detail on the accompanying photographs.