A Length of Indigo Dyed Katazome Cotton: Peonies Two Ways

early twentieth century
35" x 13", 89 cm x 33 cm

This is a length of indigo dyed katazome cotton that shows peonies rendered in two ways. On the right hand side we see a rather "realistic" type of peony which is full-petaled and at the height of bloom. On the left we see a smaller peony set in a circle as a roundel.

The undyed areas of the design have a slightly bluish cast and the ground color is a very deep, rich indigo tone. 

Tracery arabesques drawn with tiny dots fill the dark blue background and enliven the already-vibrant design.

The pattern has a whiff of Victorian-ish design feeling, probably the result of cultural cross-pollination with the West.

This is a nice length in good, used condition.