A Length of Katazome Dyed Cotton: Complex Shippo Tsunagi Pattern
late nineteenth century
43 1/4" x 13 1/2", 110 cm x 34 cm
This is a very fine, old length of beautifully realized indigo dyed katazome cotton with a very good amount of the orange-toned pigment dye bengara.
The cloth is hand woven from hand spun yarns.
The pattern is an intricate one and is of a type that was designed to be associated with the look of brocade silk cloth. The design is based on a traditional Chinese Buddhist pattern of interlocking circles called shippo tsunagi in Japan.
The circle pattern is highly embellished with floral motifs and what appear to be stylized chrysanthemums. The color is still fairly fresh and rich, and the design is tremendously complex and appealing.
A really wonderful length of old katazome cloth with a superb pattern and great fibers.
Recommended.