A Length of Jishiro Katazome: Elaborate Blue-on-White Pattern

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
70" x 13", 178 cm x 33 cm

This is a length of jishiro or blue-on-white katazome cloth that shows a complex and beautifully crowded pattern.

Shown on this elaborate design are roundels depicting  stylized phoenixes on the left and on the right are rounds of leaves which indicate the paulownia tree, the only roost on the terrestrial plane that the mythical phoenix will touch.

To achieve this repeat pattern there seems to have been a good deal of rice paste used which gives the white areas a crackled, batik-like quality.

The rich, blue-toned pattern as set against the white, undyed background shimmers and is a huge pleasure to see.

This is in good, used condition and its length is generous and can be used in the home, to study or to incorporate into fashion or design projects.

Wonderful.