A Length of Katazome Cotton: Complex Design

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
52" x 13 1/4", 132 cm x 33.5 cm

This is a really wonderful fragment of indigo dyed katazome cotton that shows a complex pattern.

The pattern seems to be the traditional pine bark motif or matsukawabishi that is set on its side and flung into some kind of supernatural perspective. The entire field is toned with narrow, vertical stripes of varying width and in fact it is this variation in the stripes' width that define the images on this dyed fragment of cloth.

Within this field of stripes birds are flying, and although it is hard to define what type of birds are depicted, they appear to be highly stylized geese.

Imagine the stencil that produced this amazing piece of cloth--if you can.

The length is notched in the center, right hand side, evidence that this length was taken from a garment, more than likely a half under-kimono.

A stunning little fragment of katazome cotton.

Recommended.