A Length of Katazome Dyed Cotton: Imitating Mosquito Kasuri

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
52" x 13", 132 cm x 33 cm

This length of brown toned, resist dyed cotton is deceptive in its appearance.

The length looks like kagusuri or "mosquito ikat," a pattern that is composed of tiny, white crosses, the result of expert kasuri or ikat dyeing and weaving.

Instead this is a patched length of katazome cotton made to look like kagasuri. 

The length was presumably once part of a kimono that was deconstructed to become a futon cover and the eye fooling aspect of this pattern is wonderful to behold. The warm brown color, too, is attractive and be aware of a blotch of lightening to the color which is shown on accompanying detail photos here.

It is a beautiful, subtle yet rich length of resist dyed cotton from old Japan, beautifully patched and interesting in concept.

Recommended.