A Length of Kumanozome: Stenciled Moire Effect Cotton

late nineteenth century
28" x 13 1/4", 71 cm x 33.5 cm

This is a very good length of a wonderful old type of stenciled cotton known as Kumanozome.

Kumanozome 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 while this one is stenciled from two tones of brown or rust colors.

This fragment was taken from a futon cover and there are very slight indentations on the surface of this piece which are impressions from the cloth resting on cotton fill.

A lovely, collectible piece of distinctly dyed cotton from old Japan in good, used condition.

Recommended.