A Length of Machine Aided Kasuri: Fans and Hemp Leaves
ca. mid to late twentieth century
60" x 14", 152 cm x 35.5 cm
This length of kasuri cotton is likely woven on an old power loom; its yarns are not hand spun. It seems that it was probably loomed in Kurume, a city in Kyushu known for its distinctive hand woven kasuri cloth.
Still, this is a really delightful pattern. The background is a deep blue-black. The resisted yarns are woven to create a background of white, vertical stripes embedded in an overall, traditional hemp leaf pattern. Against this is a repeat of open, folding fans--a Japanese invention--the curved forms playing against the softly geometric base.
Charming and in good condition.