A Hand Stitched Bag of Narumi Kongata: Lined in Hand Spun Cotton

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
when closed: 14 1/4" x 12 1/2", 36 cm x 31 cm

Narumi kongata is a beautiful type of stencil resist cloth which utilized a set of stencils which, when used in combination, yield a length of cloth that mimics the look of shibori. Soft edges and shibori-like effects are produced by using so many stencils.

Here we see an envelope-style bag or pouch which is composed of a good amount of this precious, stencil-resist dyed cloth.

The bag is lined entirely in hand spun, hand woven pale blue-dyed indigo cotton. You can see a faint stain and a tear to the top of the lining which is a reasonable, small bit of damage for the estimable age of this piece.

The cloth on the pouch's exterior shows an inventive use of image and motif. The dappled ground of the cloth is meant to mimic miura shibori. The diagonal bands of images show gourds and foliate forms, possibly ivy leaves. Notice that the images in the bands are ringed by a softly shaded halo, this is the result of a few stencils being used to create a soft effect.

There is of course some light fading and faint scuffing to this piece--as well as the condition of the lining as detailed above and which is shown in detail photos here--but overall this is in good, used condition. It has very good age.

Recommended.