A Coiled Horse Rein: Decorative Trapping for Festivals

katalate nineteenth, early twentieth century
2 1/4" x 5 yards, 5.5 cm x 4.6 m

This is a very long, beautifully hand spun, narrow and hand woven cotton length that has been stencil resist--or katazome-- dyed in a pattern of diagonally-oriented indigo dyed stripes. It was used as a decorative horse rein at the time of festivals and this type of cloth was meant to add a lighthearted air to joyous gatherings.

To achieve the width of this cloth, the rein was creased three times along the length of cloth which means this was once 13"/33 cm wide. 

The bold pattern of diagonal stripes is rich and made even more so because of the hand spun cotton cloth. The attest to the rural nature of this collectible type of cloth.

As well, the slightly faded and softened indigo tone is very appealing--as is the exceedingly generous length of this collectible type of cloth.

A boldly designed length, this wonderfully textured cotton cloth has a history of use that, if we knew it fully, would probably be more interesting that what our imagination can conjure.

Recommended.