A Length of Katazome Dyed Cotton: Two Stencil Resist Sides

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
27" x 13 1/4", 68.5 cm x 33.5 cm

This is a length of indigo dyed cotton katazome cloth which was stenciled on each of its two sides so the clarity of the design is equally bright on both sides.

The design is that of a crowded field of six-pointed star shapes rendered in such a way as to create a sense of layering with the lighter toned stars seemingly occupying the foreground while the darker toned stars are layered behind.

There is some skidding and dyeing flaws to the length which adds a kind of hand made charm to the design which is not an often-seen one. More than likely this length was taken from a han juban or a half-under kimono as this scale of design was commonly seen on these types of under garments.

Really delightful.