A Length of Tattered Patches on Katazome: Curious Shapes

early twentieth century
61 1/2" x 14 1/2", 156 cm x 37 cm

This is a length of indigo dyed cotton katazome cloth which is heavily mended with patches that are both quirky in shape as well as in the way they are scattered on the cloth.

The entire piece is composed of four separate fragments which are hand stitched together while the body of the length shows about ten or so patches, each one of fairly irregular shape.

The cotton itself is fairly lightweight and does not seem to be hand woven. There is a tear to the top, right part near the patch located below the corner. 

What is shown here is the proper back of the cloth, the front of which is much more contrasting in pattern and with little evidence of patching and mending.

A subtle beauty.