A Length of Katazome Cotton: Twelve Separate Pieces

early twentieth century
74" x 13 1/4", 188 cm x 33.5 cm

This a length of katazome dyed cotton which portrays a quite common pattern, that is of highly stylized chrysanthemums against a field of arabesque.

What makes this length not at all usual is that it is pieced together from twelve separate fragments, some narrow and small and some which are larger. The overall dimensions of the piece are generous.

The pattern is supplemented with the addition of a red tone, the result of applying an iron oxide-derived pigment dye.

What is wonderful in looking at this piece is to see how the pattern is fractured and assembled rather randomly as it adds subtle yet strong visual appeal.

Unusual and interesting, this is a wonderful length of re-purposed indigo dyed cotton katazome.