A Length of Cottons: Katazome, Sashiko and Zanshi

ca. late nineteenth, early twentieth century
57" x 13 3/4", 145 cm x 35 cm

This is a fantastic fragment from a yogi which is an oversized, kimono shaped, padded duvet which is used for warmth during sleeping.

And this hand woven cotton panel "has it all" as it were, as it brings together three good techniques to be found in traditional Japanese folk textiles.  There is wonderful sashiko stitching which attaches the katazome, or stencil resist dyed panel to the top quarter of the piece, the base cloth being what is known as zanshi ori or cloth which is hand woven from left over yarns.  And, moreover, the overall effect is very handsome with the contrast of floriform katazome cloth in relation to the subtle, striped base.  The katazome shows good texture from the sashiko stitching.

A lovely, and recommended, length of old Japanese folk cloth.