A Length of Warm Grey Toned Katazome: Spirited Pattern on Hand Spun Cotton

late nineteenth century
46" x 12 1/2", 117 cm x 32 cm

This is a length of nicely hand spun, hand loomed cotton cloth that is composed of two pieces that are hand stitched together.

The color of the cloth is elusive: in one light it appears grey while in another light the color seems to be a warm grey-brown, however it is more than likely what is called sumizome or cloth dyed in ink.

The spirited pattern is that of folding fans and tachibana which is a kind of mandarin orange.  Each of the motifs is arranged in such a way as to create a playful design that suggests a lighthearted mood.

The quality of the hand spun yarns is rich in what the Japanese call ito aji or "thread flavor." This is a desirable quality in old folk textiles.

What a marvelously enchanting pattern.