A Length of Katazome Dyed Cotton: Field of Peonies and Butterflies

late nineteenth century
35 1/4" x 13 1/4", 89.5 cm x 33.5 cm

This is a length of katazome dyed cotton which has been dyed in indigo and embellished with a good amount of an iron oxide pigment dye called bengara in Japan which yields a orange-ish tone. In this case the bengara has faded to an unusual dull tone. This creates an interesting visual effect on the length because of the combination of the deep indigo color with a slightly discordant shade of neutral orange.

The pattern shows a crowded field of peonies, arabesques and butterflies, a playful, lyrical design that is rich--and might hope to suggest the shimmering beauty of brocade silks.

The length of cloth is captivating for its use of color and for the generous amount of bengara dye used on it.

Slightly unusual and quite beautiful this is an alluring length of old cloth.