A Length of Nineteenth Century Silk Patchwork: Katazome Sampler

kmid to late nineteenth century
47" x 13 1/2", 119.5 cm x 34 cm

What a fascinating, delicate, old length of katazome dyed silk.

This is a section of an old garment, more than likely taken from an under-kimono--and it is made of a sampler that, in the way the length is pieced and stitched, shows a mishmash of complex patterns: just a tremendous visual document.

The color is rich and is derived from plant sources. The designs are as complicated as you can imagine and they are expertly dyed. 

There is interruption to the flow of the patterns in the form of piecing and patchwork and this jarring visual aspect adds to the interest in this nineteenth century piece which, already, has a good amount of visual appeal.

There is a tear to the bottom, left which is illustrated here. 

This is a marvelous opportunity to be enlightened by these old patterns and to dream the culture of the time that produced this marvelous length of silk.

Recommended.