A Length of Indigo Dyed Katazome: Multiple Motifs and Symbols

early twentieth century
48" x 12 3/4", 122 cm x 32.5 cm

This length of indigo dyed cotton katazome cloth shows a several traditional design motifs which are very cleverly depicted.

The organizing pattern, that of the chevron shapes, could easily be a variation of the traditional arrow feather motif.

Staggered inside each of these rows are two more motifs: the hexagon-based pattern is tortoise shell or a wish for long life and the star-shaped pattern is the traditional hemp leaf pattern. Small roundels containing line-drawn cherry blossoms stud the pattern.

There are two patches of slightly contrasting cloth, each depicted on the accompanying detail photos here.

This is a fairly unusual pattern and one that is ingeniously designed.