A Length of Indigo Dyed Cotton: Loosely Rendered Chrysanthemums

early twentieth century
37" x 13 1/4", 94 cm x 33.65 cm

This is a length of softly faded indigo dyed cotton katazome cloth.

It shows a repeat pattern of loosely rendered chrysanthemums which are rather naturalistic in their linear depiction.

The large-scale chrysanthemums are set against sparely-place arabesques and a background of dots. Bengara or an iron oxide-derived pigment dye is used to add orange color to the detail areas.

There are some soft clouds of light fading amid the overall tone of softly faded indigo-dyed cotton; this fading enhances the delicacy and charm of this pattern.

Delightful.