A Length of Katazome Dyed Cotton: Large Swirls of Arabesques

early twentieth century
35" x 13 1/2", 89 cm x 34 cm

This is a length of hand spun, hand woven, indigo dyed cotton that has been stencil resisted on both its sides. Because of this the pattern seen here is as clear on the front as well as the back which makes it, in essence, "reversible."

The pattern is an unusual one as it is a rendition of the classic arabesque design called karakusa in Japan. This version of it is large-scale, loose and swirling. Sprouting from the abstracted trailing vine image are wing-like leaves which give this pattern a kind of levity or visual lightness despite the densely dyed indigo color tone.

The intricacy or the levity of the pattern is enhanced by the fact that the image is made almost entire of small dots; this is an effective way to create an airy feel which this design seems to have accomplished quite well.

As said above, this is a unique take on the traditional arabesque motif and it is one that is, therefore, original.

Recommended.