A Length of Patched and Mended Katazome Cotton: Threadbare Areas

late nineteenth century
78" x 12 3/4", 198 cm x 32.5 cm

This is a length of patched and mended, indigo dyed katazome cotton cloth: it is shown from the its proper "back" or non-public facing side in order to illustrate the four or so patches that are hand stitched to the base.

The base cloth of katazome dyed cotton has been worn hard and is now threadbare: you can see this especially in the selvedge areas (illustrated here) and also in the fact that the left hand side selvedge is missing from one half the length.

The pattern of the katazome is shown on the last photo that accompanies this post--it is a beautifully floral version of interlocking hexagons that shows a magnificent, imagined flower at the center of each hexagon. 

This is a delicately beautiful boro textile and one that can be shown and appreciated in multiple ways.