A Length of Indigo Dyed Katazome: Luminous Cubes

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
24" x 13 1/4", 61 cm x 33.5 cm

This is a length of indigo dyed katazome cotton with a perplexing image: what is it?

It is rendered strangely with the ochre border around a luminescent cube. It seems the cube might me an andon or a lamp, but this is not certain. As well, surrounding it are calligraphic-type letters rendered as swirls and curls.

An altogether strange and intriguing pattern for katazome cotton and one we have to enjoy for its rarity among the tens of thousands of designs and variations.

Some surface patina but in good, used condition with nice, deep color.