A Length of Beautifully Rustic Katazome: Tatewaku and Rain Dragons

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
28 1/2" x 12 1/2', 72.5 cm x 31.5 cm 

This is a lusciously aged length of katazome cotton that was stencil dyed on both its sides: as the registration was not perfect we see this wonderful, blurred image which somehow enhances the touchable texture of the cloth hand woven from hand spun cotton yarns.

The design is that of tatewaku, sometimes referred to as rising steam, and it is as traditional as you can get in Japanese design. There are also countless, infinite variations on this pattern.  In the swells of the pattern we see a vegetal motif along with a roundel that is often called a rain dragon. 

The color of the indigo is warm yet almost neutral. The cloth that supports the design shows about two holes, the larger of the two, shown in detail is 3/4" or 2 cm in size.

This length of cloth exudes a feeling of 19th century Japan when it was likely made and it was probably used on bedding in some form, either as a futon cover or for a yogi, a kimono shaped duvet.

Beautiful.