A Length of Kumanozome Cotton: Four Pieces Hand Stitched Together
late nineteenth, early twentieth century
35 1/2" x 10 1/2", 90 cm x 26.5 cm
This is a length of a type of stenciled cotton known as Kumanozome. This length is hand stitched from four separate, small pieces.
The name Kumanozome (Kumano-place; zome-dyeing) refers to a place of origin, an area near present-day Okayama Prefecture: Kumano is well-known for producing this type of optically entrancing cloth.
Kumanozome is immediately recognizable for its decidedly "Op Art" moire effect of undulating, crossing lines. Sometimes contrasting colors and values were used to heighten this effect.
In this case, the moire effect is created by stencils: earth toned dyes, probably pigment or mineral based, were used to color the cloth.
As can be seen on the accompanying detail photos there is a tear to the top of the piece as well as a good amount of fading, surface wear and an arc of stain on the top, right hand corner, not at all unusual for cloth of this age.