A Length of 19th Century Katazome: Faded and Beautiful Hand Spun Yarns

early twentieth century
22 1/2" x 13", 57 cm x 33 cm

This absolutely beautiful length of delicately rendered katazome patterned cloth is made richer for its hand spun, hand woven yarns. Cloth like this, which bears such a good texture, is said in Japan to have "thread flavor."

The length is a medium toned blue which, when it was new, was darker as can be seen by the segment on the upper, left hand area of the cloth. This piece was taken from a half underkimono and the darkened area would have been where the collar area was placed. The bottom of the length is finished with hand stitching.

The pattern is that of a soft rain of cherry blossoms that are floating downward through a field of dots and vegetation. Some of the blossoms are tinted with a pale orange, the dye being a pigment derived, iron oxide based colorant.

The mood of the piece is very much that of the mid nineteenth century and the yarns, too, are that of old cloth.

A splendid, unassuming and sophisticated length of old katazome dyed cotton.

Recommended.