A Resist Dyed Cotton Cloth: Unusual Central Design

early twentieth century
27" x 45", 68.5 cm x 114.5 cm

This is a two panel, resist dyed, indigo cotton panel whose original function is unknown. When found in Japan there was some thinking about its intended purpose and what seemed to be most likely was that it was a yutan or a furniture cover.

The central image might be a family crest and if it is, it is a rare one. There are four two-kanji words sprouting from the center in the directions of the four corners and the kanji or Chinese characters say Ariake, a name.

The cloth is in good, used condition and its mystery, both in the unusual central image as well in its original purpose, lends an air of attractive curiosity to the cloth.

Fascinating.