A Length of Kasuri Dyed Cotton: Re-purposed Garment

early twentieth century
59" x 13", 150 cm x 33 cm

This is a length of hand woven cotton kasuri cloth: the suppleness of the cloth indicates it was well used.

This piece is recycled from a kimono--this is evident from the patched "notch" on the left side of the length which can be seen in the lead photo here. The notch indicates the part of the kimono that was draped over the body at the neck area. Recycling was a method to transform an old kimono into a usable futon cover and this was a common practice in traditional Japan.

The predominant color is deep in tone, it reads as black, with warmish toned warp yarns and white geometric designs that have a whiff of an Art Deco feel.

This is a lovely length of kasuri cotton with an unusual, geometric pattern.

Just lovely.