A Length of Katazome Dyed Cotton: Cranes as Diamonds

late nineteenth century
25 1/4" x 13 1/4", 65 cm x 33.5 cm

This length of hand spun, hand woven, indigo dyed cotton was made in the katazome technique using a stencil to resist the pattern we see here.

The design is that of cranes set in mirror image and arranged as a field of diamonds.

Cranes are symbols of longevity and conjugal fidelity and, as such, they are often depicted on cloth related to wedding trousseaux as this fragment might have been.

The condition is good and used and the pattern is a classic variation on presenting the image of cranes.