A Length of Katazome Dyed Cotton: Large Scale Pattern

$95.00 USD

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
62" x 12 1/2", 157.5 cm x 32 cm

This is good sized length of fairly lightweight, indigo dyed katazome cloth whose image of roundels of plum blossoms and sprigs of young pine have been stencil resist dyed on front and back of the cloth.

This kind of double-sided dyeing was done to increase or heighten the clarity of the image. Doing this kind of double-sided resist dyeing required great and practiced skill: can you imagine what kind of experience it takes to register front and back in a perfect way?

The images shown on this cloth are loaded with good meaning: plum blossoms are thought to represent courage as they are the first to break through winter's ice while pine is a conveyance for wishes for a long life as well as for conjugal fidelity, pine needles fall in pairs.

There is some dulling or oxidation to the indigo dye of this cloth as well as some over all light wear and scuffing, still it is in good, used condition.

This is a handsome length of katazome with a beautifully bold pattern filled with good meaning.

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A Length of Katazome Dyed Cotton: Large Scale Pattern