A Length of Narumi Kongata: Shapes in Multi Stenciled Faux Shibori
late nineteenth, early twentieth century
27" x 13 1/2", 68.5 cm x 34 cm
Narumi kongata is a beautiful type of stencil resist cloth which utilizes a set of stencils that, when used in combination, yield a length of cloth that mimicked the look of shibori.
Looking closely at Narumi kongata we see soft edges and shibori-like effects: these are the essential character of this complex type of stencil resist dyeing, and, as you can imagine, it requires a seasoned artisan of great skill and practice to dye this kind of cloth.
Here is a length of very good indigo dyed cotton Narumi kongata. It shows a repeat pattern of regularly-spaced waves and paving stone motifs compose the pattern we see here. These images--which are delineated by an undyed faux shibori stitch--are set against a background of fake miura shibori which is a kind of tie dye that produces a dappled effect.
This is a beautiful length of old Narumi kongata cloth, and one with a bold and unusual pattern.
Recommended.