A Length of Overdyed Indigo Tsutsugaki Cotton: Arabesque

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
70 1/2" x 13", 179 cm x 33 cm

This length of hand spun, hand woven cotton is dyed in a hand drawn resist dyed method called tsutsugaki. The lush green color on this length is the result of over dyeing indigo with a yellow dye.

This length is a panel taken from a larger piece, more than likely a furoshiki or a traditional wrapping cloth and here we see one full, traditional loom width of cloth.

The high quality of the cotton cloth is as wonderful as the design emblazoned on it. What appears to be an almost cartoon-like squiggle is in fact a slice of a large image which is a trailing vine or arabesque--or karakusa as it is referred to in Japanese.

The color of both the green and the indigo blue is clear and strong and the condition of the piece itself is worn but very good. The quality of the drawing of the tsutsugaki arabesque is assured, bold--and it was clearly done by a practiced master.

Wonderful.