A Length of Itajime Shibori: Hemp Leaf and Tortoiseshell

mid to late twentieth century
66" x 12 1/2", 167.5 cm x 31.75 cm

This is a length of boldly patterned itajime shibori cotton cloth, the clamp dyed shibori being done in indigo.

The pattern is very interesting because it shows two of Japan's most well-used designs, that of the asa no ha or hemp leaf pattern which, when looked at another way, gives way to the six-sided kikko or tortoiseshell pattern--a wonderful visual flip-flop.

The white cotton is lightweight and the graphic pattern is a nice counterpart to the delicate cloth.

Lovely.