A Length of Itajime Dyed Flyaway Weight Silk: Plum Blossoms and Faux Shibori

early twentieth century
63 1/2" x 13 1/2", 161 cm x 34 cm

This length of extremely lightweight, flyaway weight, crepe silk is dyed in the itajime method, a resist dye technique which uses carved boards and applied pressure to resist the cloth in order to produce patterns.  

This particular length of cloth shows a repeat pattern in mirror image, the image components of the pattern are that of large-scale plum blossoms set against a backdrop of a kind of faux shibori pattern.

The orange and pinkish colors on this piece of itajime dyed cotton might be safflower or benibana dyes, or they could be synthetic dyes which were introduced to Japan from Germany in the mid-to-late nineteenth century. More than likely this length was dyed in a combination of both.

This is a  lovely and collectible length of resist dyed cotton both for its technique and its beautiful pattern. 

It is in good, used condition with still rich color tones and a charming all over image in the typical mirror image characteristic of itajime dyeing.

The length is hand stitched from three pieces.

Really delightful.