A Length of Indigo Dyed Cotton Kaya: Beautiful Patches and Mending

early twentieth century
66" x 14 1/2", 168 cm x 37 cm

This is a length of indigo dyed cotton which was loosely woven and taken from a large, tent-sized mosquito netting.

The cotton is supple and textured and its warm blue-green color could be due to indigo being over dyed with a yellow dye, or it could be due to the kaya having been exposed to smoke in an old home, the smoked yellowing the indigo over time until it changed color.

In any case, this is a beautiful length of cotton that has been mended in a graphic and visually striking manner. The three patches are in rich contrast to the base cloth which is plain in color.

There are some small holes and some surface fading and abrasion to the piece, not surprising for its age and for its long history of wear and repair.

For those interested, this could easily become a favorite winter scarf, a home accessory--or it can be shown as artwork or acquired to add to an existing collection of Japanese folk textiles.

Really nice.