A Length of Indigo Dyed Kasuri: Ongoing Symmetry
early to mid twentieth century
58" x 13", 147.5 cm x 33 cm
This is a crisp length of indigo dyed kasuri or ikat cotton, kasuri being a technique whereby the yarns were tied and resisted before they were dyed. After dyeing a prescribed, pre-planned pattern that was embedded into the resist-dyed yarns would emerge from the woven cloth.
In this case we see a handsome repeat of interlocking diamonds. Along with this repeat of diamonds a coral colored grid is woven into the cloth, in this case the orange tone is the result of the warp and weft yarns being dyed in safflower or benibana as it is called in Japan.
This is a beautifully symmetrically and wonderfully planned-out length of kasuri and it is in very good, used condition.