A Length of Katazome Dyed Cotton: Large Scale Chrysanthemums

early twentieth century
21 1/4" x 13 1/2", 54 cm x 34 cm

This short length of lightweight cotton is dyed in the katazome method and shows a fanciful design of oversized, stylized fancy chrysanthemums against a ground of smaller scaled arabesque.

There are pinkish orange and light grey details within the rendering of the lush bloom and this creates a dimensional effect. The striking design is made more so because the length was stenciled on both its sides which is done to create a very clear image--it is also perilously difficult to do.

This is an utterly charming, lighthearted design and one that is execute with great skill.