A Length of Katazome Dyed Cotton: Two Colors and a Family Crest Fragment

late nineteenth century
42" x 12 1/4", 107 cm x 31 cm

This length of katazome dyed cotton shows an unusual design in tones of greenish color and orange, showing a diagonally-oriented pattern of whorls and cart wheels, often referred to as "Genji wheels," a reference to a well-known passage from the famous Heian era novel, "The Tale of Genji."

At the bottom of the length we see a fragment of an oversized family crest of the tachibana or a kind of stylized mandarin orange.

More than likely this piece is a fragment of a futon cover or a yogi which is a kimono-shaped duvet. As stated above, the pattern is unusual--as is the color combination--and that there is a fragment of a family crest placed as it is makes for an alluring visual treat.

Just wonderful.