A Length of Katazome Cotton: Buddhist Bonji Text

early to mid twentieth century
13 3/4" x 58", 35 cm x 147.5 cm

This is a length of resist dyed cotton which shows two rows of resist-dyed bonji, an old written form of Sanskrit which is still used in Japan in the Shingon and Tendai sects of Buddhism.

The bonji characters are arranged in such a way that it appears this length was meant to be cut in half lengthwise and then the narrow, cut lengths were meant to be folded, probably to create some form of belt or rope for use in the temple, or perhaps during a temple festival.

This length seems not to have been used and is quite stiff in texture and there is no discernible wear to this length.

Unusual and beautiful