A Length of Shibori Dyed Cotton: Large Scale Asanoha

early to mid twentieth century
24" x 12 1/2", 61 cm x 31.75 cm

This is a length of indigo dyed cotton shibori that was produced in Arimatsu, one of the towns in Aichi prefecture that was a leading producer and innovator in the production of shibori. 

The pattern is an inventive variation on the traditional asanoha or traditional hemp leaf pattern, and there are endless variations on this design. This particular one shows a graphic, fairly large-scale repeat pattern of stylized hemp leaves whose areas of white are mottled.

The stitched pattern is dyed onto a length of commercially loomed, fairly lightweight cotton and is in good, used condition.