A Length of Indigo Dyed Katazome: Maple Leaves

early twentieth century
26 1/4" x 13", 66.5 cm x 33 cm

This is a length of indigo dyed katazome cotton that has been stenciled on each of its sides, creating a kind of "reversible" effect as the pattern is equally bright and clear on its front and back.

It shows a wonderful repeat pattern of maple leaves amid a background of broken interlocking circles called shippo tsunagi in Japanese.

The maple leaves are rendered in two different ways and the feeling of the design is lighthearted and playful. The indigo dye is still deep and rich and the overall condition is good and used.

A delightful length of old katazome cotton, this was probably taken from a han juban or half under kimono.

Very attractive.