A Length of Blue-on-Blue Katazome Cotton: Plovers

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
37" x 13", 94 cm x 33 cm

This richly colored, tone-on-tone length of katazome dyed cotton shows a geometric pattern that is built on a grid design and is luminous for its two deep tones of blue. 

The pattern is largely abstract however we do see traditional images embedded in some of the larger squares: chidori of plovers can be seen as well as masu or a square, wooden grain measure are also present. One of the curved, symmetrical images seems to indicate a highly stylized alternate image of the plover or chidori.

The overall design is an unusual one which might have been influenced by European design however this is simply speculation. In any case, although this pattern is very much about geometry, there are also traditional motifs that repeat and make the design very Japanese.

Delightful and unusual.