A Length of Plaid Zanshi ori: Two Finished Ends and a Large Patch

early to mid twentieth century
48" x 14 1/2", 122 cm x 37 cm 

This length of cotton is finished on its two short ends: on one end a proper hem is sewn while on the other end it is finished by a simple stitch.

As is very clear to see, almost 1/3 of the length of the cloth is covered by a long patch of pale colored cotton.  The base cloth, an indigo dyed cotton check, is deceptively interesting.

Pay close attention to the subtleties in the check: you will notice some flickering white specks that run along the weft portion: this is due to the fact that leftover kasuri or ikat yarns were used to feed the weft of this length.  Just wonderful.

A very handsome and straightforward length of cloth that has a bit of hidden intrigue in its weaving technique.

Really lovely.