A Length of Beautifully Intricate Narumi Kongata Cotton: Large Scale Pattern

late nineteenth century
26 1/2" x 10", 67.25 cm x 25.5 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 a short length of very good indigo dyed cotton Narumi kongata that shows a repeat pattern of chrysanthemums in mirror image that act as a cartouche of sorts to a simply rendered cloud inside of which can be seen equally simply rendered and highly stylized pine needles.

The chrysanthemums are complex in their rendering, rather painterly almost. The subtle, gradient tones that aggregate to build these chrysanthemum images are expertly placed for high effect. There is a luminous quality radiating from this stencil resist image.

The repeat on this length is rather large and rather bold in its placement on the length. The indigo is still very deep and beautiful and the yarns are hand spun cotton.

The piece is hand woven and its narrow width shows that it has been cut so only one of its two selvedges is intact.

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