A Length of Katazome Dyed Cotton: Blurred Butterflies

early twentieth century
56" x 13", 142 cm x 33 cm

This is a length of rather lightweight indigo dyed cotton that has been dyed in the katazome method. The pattern is that of playfully arranged butterflies which sit against a backdrop of arabesques and cherry blossoms.

The butterflies are not perfectly crisp in their appearance: the cloth was resist dyed on both its sides, the reason for this is to create a sharply defined white-on-blue pattern. However if the stencil resist dyeing on each its sides is not registered properly a blurring of the image occurs as we see here.

As well it is fairly easy to see a break in the repeat of the pattern, which is another charmingly rustic detail on this delightful length of old cloth.

It is in good, used condition.