A Length of Indigo Dyed Cotton Katazome: Patterned Gourds with Leaves

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
35 1/4" x 13 3/4", 89.5 cm x 35 cm

This is a length of indigo dyed cotton katazome cloth showing a fanciful repeat pattern of Japanese gourds, each one of which is filled with one of three design patterns. The background shows the leaves of the gourds.

The design is crowded and playful and the effect is charming. The indigo dye is still deep and rich and the condition of the length is good and used.

Sometimes it seems certain katazome patterns were designed in order to delight the viewer and this one seems to be one of those endearing patterns.