A Length of Rustic Kasuri Cotton: Crossed Feathers

early twentieth century
56 1/2" x 13", 143.5 cm x 33 cm

This is a length of indigo dyed cotton kasuri cloth that is hand woven from hand spun yarns. It shows a spare design of crossed feathers and what appears to be a nine-segmented square, probably a design with auspicious numerical significance.

The length is beautifully arranged with staggered motifs and as you can see on the lead photo here there is an L-shaped notch or tear to the length. There is also some cotton fiber on the back of the length which was not able to be removed and is original to the piece when it served as a futon cover.

The crossed feathers represent falcon feathers and is probably a reference to a family crest. This image originates from martial ideas of bravery related to any of the attributes of a hawk or falcon.

It is a simple design with great visual appeal.