A Kurume Kasuri Boro Fragment: Cranes

ca. mid twentieth century
28" x 13", 71 cm x 33 cm 

This is a good looking length of kasuri cotton, one that is rich in image and that has strong color.

This kasuri length was no doubt woven in Kurume, an area in Kyushu that is known for its distinctive kasuriwoven cotton.  Often Kurume kasuri is graphic in design with a bold contrast between the deep indigo and the white cotton areas, as is the case on this piece.

The design is based on a large grid.  In alternating "windows" we can see repeated a stylized crane and a kind of well cover motif.  

There are two hand stitched patches to the surface of this length; the top-most patch is torn from the base cloth on a portion of its bottom side.

A really lovely length of kasuri cloth with a sparkling effect on the eye.