A Length of Handsome Kasuri Dyed Cotton: Boxes in Squares

early twentieth century
63" x 13 3/4", 160 cm x 35 cm

This is a length of cotton kasuri cloth whose design is based on a grid, inside each of the compartments of the grid is a multi-lined box image.

The predominate indigo tone of the cloth is so dark as to read black: the grid is made of yellowish yarns. The image inside the grid is composed of undyed areas of the yarns and the image might be that of stacked masu or wooden boxes that were used to measure grain.

If this is the case the image would be conveyance of a wish for abundance: grain measures, as you might image, contain precious grain that when eaten nourish the body and when sown, propagate more.

The cloth is in good, used condition and design of it is beautiful.