A Length of Katazome Dyed Cotton: Tortoises, Cranes and Peonies

early twentieth century
47" x 13 1/2", 119.5 cm x 34 cm

This complex and fancy design is done with stencil resist in a technique called katazome in Japan. It shows an elaborately drawn pattern of tortoise, cranes and peonies.

The combination of crane and tortoise is a traditional one. It is referred to as tsurukame (tsuru=crane, kame=tortoise). 

The essence of the meaning of the crane and tortoise is that of longevity: the crane was said to live for 1,000 years and the tortoise for 10,000 years so often these two images are shown together as they are here.

The peonies are rendered with rich detail, each of the stylized petals is beautifully drawn. The length is of a deeply toned indigo that reads almost as black. The length is in good, used condition with very little wear.

An elaborately decorated beauty.