A Crisp Length of Festival Horse Rein: Stencil Dyed

mid twentieth century
87 1/2" x 13", 222 cm x 33 cm

This is a very long length of commercially produced cotton that has been stencil dyed in a pattern of diagonally-oriented rust colored stripes. More than likely an iron oxide-derived dye was used as a colorant on this cloth.

The length shows three faint creases along the length of cloth which means this was once folded to create a narrow piece. This type of cloth was used at festivals and it seems that this probably was intended to be used as part of a horse's festival wear, more than likely it was a festive horse rein.

The bold pattern of diagonal stripes is rich and visually alluring.

This wonderfully designed cotton cloth has a history of use that, if we knew it fully, would probably be more interesting that what our imagination can conjure.

Recommended.