A Length of Imagistic Kasuri: Large Scale Sparrows and Bamboo

early to mid twentieth century
66" x 13 3/4", 167.5 cm x 35 cm

This is a good sized length of old indigo dyed kasuri cotton that shows large-scale, highly stylized sparrows and equally abstracted bamboo stalks and leaves.

Sparrows and bamboo are associated imagery probably because sparrows are often seen flocking in bamboo groves. The sparrow motif, however, bears a fairly noble meaning as it is said to convey "the virtue of repaying one's obligation."

The cloth is boldly designed as is obvious and the images are charming, almost cartoonish.

There is wear to the piece and some of the undyed areas show a bit of yellowing, not so unusual for cloth of this age. The length is composed of two pieces of cloth which are hand stitched together, this detail shown in accompanying photos here.

These large, bold, stylized images are the appeal of this length and they certainly are attention grabbers.

Really nice and a lovely take on a traditional motif.