A Length of Stenciled Hand Spun Cotton: Indian or European Inspired Pattern

late nineteenth century
25" x 12 1/4", 63.5 cm x 31 cm

This is a short length of beautifully hand woven cotton that is made of hand spun cotton yarns: the rich texture of the cloth on its on is wonderful but to dye a subtly colored design on to it makes for a special length of cloth.

The low contrast stenciled design is colored in tones of ochre and rust.

It shows a repeat pattern of lush flowers--maybe chrysanthemums--set against a background of arabesques.

The pattern is Indian inspired but more specifically it seems the pattern is inspired by Indian cloth made for the European market.

The Japanese love Indian trade cloth or sarasa and they created their own kind called wa sarasa of which this is a type.

Some ingrained creases from wear and some light fading this is still a remarkably elegant length of hand spun, hand woven cotton from nineteenth century Japan.

Recommended.