A Very Large Banner: Two Family Crests on Hand Spun Cotton

late nineteenth century
78" x 33", 198 cm x 84 cm

Please note the dimensions of this impressive and very large banner: when seen in real life it has a kind of monumental presence due to its size and the scale of the two family crests that decorate it.

The cotton is wider than most hand loomed Japanese cotton and the yarns are beautifully hand spun which gives a rich texture to the piece.

Each of the two family crests are stenciled onto the cloth using a black pigment dye and in certain cases you can see where the dyer's hand allowed the dye to stray onto an area meant to be left alone.

The two short ends are finished and seem to have been intended to be threaded with a cord or a dowel in order for the banner to be displayed. The cotton shows some overall and faint discoloration from age which is normal and not in the least distracting.

The graphic appeal of this banner is obvious and wonderful.