A Length of Blue on Blue Checked Cloth: 19th Century Sankuzushi

late nineteenth century
59 1/2" x 13 1/2", 151 cm x 34.25 cm

This length of hand woven cotton shows richly saturated indigo dyed yarns which were woven in a complex check pattern, one of the many variations on a pattern popular in the 19th century called sankuzushi.

The play of color is of an inky blue against a sapphire blue and the finished effect offers a pattern which is luminous in tone.  The very dark blue forces the lighter indigo to appear as a very rich component of the design.

Beautifully woven and its original dyes still very vibrant, this length of cloth is lovely.  In good, used condition with the exception of a small hole, practically unnoticeable.

Gorgeous.