A Length of Lusciously Hand Spun Cotton Kasuri and Plaid: Star Shaped Mending

late nineteenth century
50 1/4" x 11 1/2", 127.5 cm x 29 cm

So much of the beauty of Japanese folk textiles lies in the hand made materials used to create them.

This length of hand spun, hand woven, indigo dyed kasuri cotton is a great example of a very good quality Japanese folk textile. 

Not only does it have good age but the tactile nature of its beautiful materials perfectly embodies what the Japanese call "thread taste" or "thread flavor." You can see it: the soft, irregularity of the woven home spun yarns creates a rich and subtle surface and texture that is a hallmark of old folk cloth.

The simply designed repeat pattern is also wonderful to admire, the warm, botanical indigo dye that colors the cloth in two tones heightens our appreciation of the pattern. There are two small mends (shown) that were no doubt added later and they serve to add a kind of easy charm to the cloth.

So much of what you want to see in a country textile is contained with in this length, which is offered and recommended for these qualities.