A Length of Faded Hand Spun Cotton: Katazome Dyed Cranes

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
50" x 12", 127 cm x 30.5 cm

This is a very faded and worn length of cloth that shows a boldly graphic and rather rustic pattern of two auspicious motifs, the crane and noshi which are dyed in the katazome or stencil resist dyed method.

The crane is a symbol of long life and conjugal fidelity; the noshi--which traditionally was made of strips of dried abalone--conveys a wish for good fortune.

Because of the symbolic imagery shown here this length was more than likely taken from a futon cover that was part of a bridal trousseau.

You can see the indigo on the length has faded, softened and gone a bit grey. As well there is a small stain to the cloth which is shown on the detail photo which accompanies this post. Please note the tear to the upper right-hand corner as well.

The faded indigo is very nice because it reveals the wonderful hand spun cotton yarns that were used to weave this cloth.

A charming depiction of two traditional motifs this is a good-sized length of old, hand woven katazome dyed cotton with very good quality yarns.

Just lovely.