A Length of Blue-on-Blue Katazome Cotton: Hand Spun Yarns

late nineteenth century
40 1/4" x 13", 102 cm x 33 cm

This is a length of hand spun, hand woven cotton that has been dyed in pale toned indigo blue and then overdyed in the katazome method to create this blue-on-blue pattern of folding fans, cranes and chrysanthemums. The is a small hole, the size of a lentil, on the length. It is almost impossible to see.

Cranes in Japanese design signify a wish for a long life and as cranes mate for life they also are a symbol of conjugal fidelity. Folding fans, a Japanese invention, are often shown for the symbolic wish they suggest which is "the opening of things," referring to relationships. For this reason folding fans are often shown on items related to the bridal trousseau. 

The texture of the cloth is beautiful for its hand spun cotton yarns, and the low contrast type of indigo-on-indigo pattern is fairly unusual and in this case it is appealing.

There is wear and fading to this piece but this kind of patina from use only adds to the rustic charm of this kind of cloth.