A Length of Katazome Dyed Lightweight Cotton: Two-Toned Diamonds

early twentieth century
28 1/4" x 12 1/2", 71.5 cm x 31.5 cm

This is a length of lightweight cotton that has been dyed in the katazome method.

The pattern is really attractive as it shows two variants on the rendering of a traditional, stylized chrysanthemum motif. When seen from a distance there are alternating bands of these two chrysanthemums, one light, one dark.

The dyeing on this length is a bit rustic or imperfect as we can see some blurred areas where the registration of the katazome stencil was not accurately placed.

This evidence of the artisan's hand is sometimes welcome in the world of Japanese craft because at their best Japanese craft is so perfectly finished it does not seem made by a human being. Seeing this small flaws is sobering and humanizes what otherwise might be a too-perfect example of craftsmanship.

This is a charming pattern on a fragment taken from a futon cover.

Delightful.