A Length of Narumi Kongata: Multi Stenciled Dyeing

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
24" x 13 1/4", 61 cm x 33.5 cm

Narumi kongata is a beautiful type of stencil resist cloth which utilized a set of stencils when used in combination would yield a length of cloth that mimicked the look of shibori as soft edges and shibori-like effects would be seen on the finished cloth.

Here we see a short length of very good indigo dyed cotton Narumi kongata that shows a repeat pattern of peonies and boxes that hold a traditional design motif: the background is meant to mimic the look like miura shibori.

The peonies are supposed to suggest stitched shibori while their leaves are meant to appear to be tie dyed. The boxes contain butterfly designs and a four-parted circle which is an allusion to the traditional Chinese Buddhist pattern of interlocking circles.

The indigo tone of this length is rich and deep and the condition is good and used.

The pattern is lovely and judging from it it was more than likely taken from a han juban or a half under kimono.

Wonderful.