A Faded Length of Katazome Cotton: Indigo and Bengara
late nineteenth century
70 1/2" x 13 1/2", 179 cm x 34 cm
This length of faded, oxidized indigo dyed cotton shows a delicate repeat pattern of fairly large-scale chrysanthemums and arabesques which are set against a field of small dots.
The delicacy of the pattern is enhanced by the overall fading from what must have been decades of wear, use, washing and perhaps light.
The pattern is playful and charming. The color enhancement of orange tones is due to the judicious application of bengara or a mineral-based pigment dye whose origin is iron oxide.
The length is generous in size and aside from the variations to do wear and fading you can say this cloth is in good, used condition.
Just charming.