A Length of Hand Spun Cotton Plaid Cloth: Thread Flavor

late twentieth century
62" x 13", 157.5 cm x 33 cm

The beautiful, pale shade of indigo blue as it sits next to the darker shade of indigo and the unbleached white cotton create a gorgeous palette of color for this length of plaid cloth.  

But what gives this cotton cloth its remarkable beauty is something intrinsic, the luscious, hand spun cotton yarns used to weave this piece.  |

In Japan, hand spun cotton cloth is prized above all others because of what the Japanese call ito aji or thread flavor.  Ito aji is characterized by yarns that are rich in character and texture because they were spun entirely by hand.

The soft, rich, drapey texture of this cloth is marvelous because of ito aji, and in combination with the warm indigo tones, this is a remarkably good length of country cloth from old Japan.

Recommended.