A Length of San'in Gasuri: Shrimp and Flowers

early twentieth century
41 1/2" x 12 1/2", 105.5 cm x 31. 5 cm

This gorgeous length of indigo dyed cotton kasuri or ikat cloth is typical 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 background against which a weft kasuri pattern is woven.  

This particular length of San'in gasuri is delightful and its images convey good things. The inclusion of the shrimp design is a wish for a long life: the curved body of the shrimp resembles a hunched, very old person so you can see why this image was chosen as represent a long life.

The cloth is in good, used condition. There is some overall light fading to the piece but that said the colors are still strong and deep with the indigo reading more as black than blue.

A very nice length of San'in gasuri cloth.