A Length of Katazome Dyed Cotton: Cranes, Tortoise and Young Pine
$95.00 USD
late nineteenth, early twentieth century
36 1/2" x 13 1/2", 91 cm x 34.25 cm
This length of large-scale katazome patterned cotton shows a bold design.
On it are stylized cranes in roundels against a field of young pine. The rust colored area of the roundel, the border, is made of abstracted tortoise shell design, thus creating a symbol called tsurukame or "crane and tortoise", a duo that conveys a wish for long life.
The depiction of these themes as shown on this cloth is fairly unusual and therefore it is a desirable length. It shows the wear of age in light fading and some superficial surface abrasion--which is to be expected--but otherwise it is in good shape.
Really lovely, slightly rare and packed full of auspicious meaning.
