A Length of Kasuri Cotton From Okinawa: Complex Pattern

early twentieth century
46" x 13 1/4", 84.5 cm x 33.5 cm

This beautifully designed kasuri cotton length shows two tones of indigo dye, and as this is traditional weaving from the Ryukyu Islands or Okinawa, we should assume the dye is of local origin, called Ryukyu-ai.

The pattern is subtle and is based on vertically-oriented channels: the kasuri designs within these channels are both weft and warp/weft based or "double kasuri."

Pay special attention to the variegated patterns within what appear to be simple vertical lines.

This length seems to have come from a kimono shaped garment and its cotton is beautifully hand woven. 

Please note the small vertical hole/snag to the surface of the cloth as shown in the last detail photograph.