A Length of Indigo Dyed Katazome: Interlocking Octagons
late nineteenth, early twentieth century
34 1/2" x 13", 87.5 cm x 33 cm
This is a wonderful length of indigo dyed cotton katazome whose resist dyed decoration is of an unsual and ornate variety.
The base of the pattern is a large scale, "interlocking" octagon design.
Inside each of the octagon frames is a captioned view of a stylized flower; the fact that the entire flower design is not shown is a coy and beautiful design conceit.
The elaborated conceived octagons are rendered in small dots and there is tonal highlighting in a faded ocher tone which adds visual interest.
A complex and beautiful length of old katazome and one that might show the influence of foreign countries such as those in the Middle East, India or Europe.
In good, used condition with still very nicely colored indigo.