A Length of Katazome Dyed Cotton: Sails and Rudders as Roundels

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
28" x 12 1/2", 71 cm x 31.75 cm

This length of hand spun, hand woven cotton is stencil resist dyed in the katazome method and it shows three pairs of images: they are stylized boat sails and rudders.

This image more than likely is the family crest of the family who owned this cloth when it was part of a futon cover. Its distinctive grey color might very well be from dyeing in ink, a process called sumizome.

The beautifully supple cloth shows a wonderful texture from the hand spun yarns which adds to the charm and appeal of this lovely and graphically interesting length of old cotton fabric.