A Length of Imagistic Kasuri: Plum, Bamboo, Pine and Well Covers

early to mid twentieth century
43 1/4" x 13 1/2", 110 cm x 34 cm

What a charming length of kasuri dyed cotton.

This short length shows an almost childlike rendering of shochikubai.  Shochikubai is a classic, auspicious pattern and it is often depicted on cloth to be included in a bridal trousseau.  The plum is the first bloom to burst forth from the winter's ice and is symbol of strength, the bamboo bends but does not break so it is a symbol of resilience, and the pine, of course conveys a wish for longevity.  Also, pine needles fall in pairs, and thus they are a motif often used at weddings.

You will notice that the two images of shochikubai are flipped--a very nice design concept. In between the woven images is the well cover motif, very often seen.

The indigo dye reads as black. It is a very, very, very dark blue which is only noticeable in strong light.

Charming.