A Length of Beautifully Graphic and Faded Katazome Cotton: Faux Shibori Details

late nineteenth century
22 1/4" x 13/14", 56.5 cm x 33.5 cm

This is a faded length of old katazome dyed cotton that shows a repeat pattern of hexagons: hexagons are a stand-in for tortoiseshell, a image that conveys a wish for long life.

The pattern is syncopated in its placement on the lengtha and is large in scale. The variety of design within the hexagons is interesting and when you look closely you will see that some of them seem to be bordered by stitched shibori while others seem to have filled with miura shibori or a large tie dye.

This kind of eye fooling was not uncommon among katazome dyers and here we have two subtle examples.

One of the selvedge edges on this length is missing and as said above, the piece is faded and shows patina from wear.

It is a charming and highly symbolic design.