A Half Bolt of Katazome Dyed Cotton: Horse Rein at 6 yards or 5.5 meters

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
6 yards x 12 3/4", 5.5 m x 32.5 cm

This is a half bolt of beautifully hand spun, hand woven cotton that has been stencil resist--or katazome-- dyed in a pattern of diagonally-oriented indigo dyed stripes.

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 made even more so because of the flaws in dyeing--we see areas of stray dye where the indigo leaked onto the white areas creating stains that are not at all unattractive. The attest to the rural nature of this collectible type of cloth.

As well, the slightly faded and softened indigo tone is very appealing--as is the exceedingly generous length of this collectible type of cloth.

A boldly designed length, this wonderfully textured 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.