A Length of Patched Zanshi ori Cotton: Two Patches

early twentieth century
67" x 13 1/4", 170 cm x 33.5 cm

Zanshi ori is cloth that is woven from threads either leftover from home production of yarn making, or from broken threads that were purchased from local commercial weavers.  Usually the warp is regulated and the weft is fed with these random threads  producing an irregular horizontal 'striping'; if home threads are used, knotted slubs can often be seen.

This length of zanshi ori is beautiful in and of itself for its randomly fed weft and its classic zanshi ori appearance.

But what makes it so visually rich are the two patches in the center of the length, each one in tonal and design contrast to the base cloth. Each side of this length is equally visually compelling as on one side the mends look egg-shaped while on the other side they are bold, blocky patches.

The length is beautiful and the cloth is wonderfully hand woven.

A visual treat and recommended.