A Length of Beautiful Zanshi Ori: Passages of Kasuri Designs

zearly twentieth century
64" x 13 3/4", 162.5 cm x 35 cm

Zanshi ori is cloth that is woven from threads either leftover from home production of yarn making, or from broken threads that were purchased from local commercial weavers. 

Usually the weft is fed with these random threads while generally the warp is regulated producing an irregular horizontal 'striping'; if home threads are used, knotted slubs can often be seen.

This length is particularly beautiful for its rich and complex design.

In this case we see a beautifully conceptualized design of warp-based stripes in a fixed, symmetrical design.

The regulated vertical striping in contrast to the random, indigo toned weft-based bands is particularly striking.

What is most charming about this hand woven length is that we see passages of leftover kasuri yarns that come together and create small moments of pattern or design.

This is an exceedingly handsome length of cotton zanshi ori in quite good, used condition.

A very good length and one to consider.