A Full Bolt of Arashi Shibori: Selectively Dyed Pattern

early to mid twentieth century
 12 yards x 13 3/4", 11 m x 35 cm

This is a full bolt of unused, indigo dyed cotton shibori which shows a network of intersecting indigo, softly curved diagonal lines.  

This pattern, or this shibori dyeing process, is referred to as tatsumaki arashi, whereby folded cloth is compressed and fastened around a rope core in order to create this intricate design or pattern.

What is interesting about this length is that is one of many variants on arashi shibori whereby the design is based on blank spaces surrounded by dyed areas, a technique which must take tremendous skill and artistry to achieve--if you look closely at the accompanying photos you can see shape resisted "blank" areas which show texture.

This bolt was intended to be stitched up into a yukata or an unlined, cotton, casual kimono, however this bolt somehow languished and we now have it complete and in as good condition as it was when it was made.

This treasure was no doubt made in Arimatsu or Narumi, the tandem towns that were the nexus of shibori production and innovation in Japan. More than likely the indigo is not botanical, although it might be partially synthetic/partially botanical.

Full bolts of old shibori are very hard to come by, even more difficult to find ones that are in as good condition and with as rare a pattern as this one.

Very recommended.