A Length of Beautifully Designed and Dyed Katazome Cotton: Figured Silk Patch

late nineteenth century
64" x 13 1/4", 162.5 cm x 33.5 cm

This length of indigo dyed katazome cotton is equally visually interesting on both its sides.

One side is the one which would have been seen when this was used as a futon cover and this is an indigo dyed katazome pattern of evenly spaced, stylized chrysanthemums amid a circular, decorative network of filigree. Touches of very faded orange color highlights the pattern.

On the other side, the proper back side, we see a blurred image of this same pattern which in itself is beautiful, but add to that two patches of chirimen or figured crepe silk that are in visual contrast to the base and you have something really wonderful to look at.

This is a very good length of old katazome, not only for its dyeing but also for its fibers. The cotton cloth is hand woven from hand spun yarns and it is good weight.

The color, although slightly faded, still serves to bring out the complexity of the katazome design which is lovely to behold.

This is a very good length of old katazome cotton which carries with it the added pleasure of admiring its two distinct sides.

Recommended.