A Length of Stenciled Hand Spun Cotton: Stylized Chrysanthemums

late nineteenth century
34" x 13 1/4", 86.5 cm x 33.5 cm

Aside from the playful, traditional image of stylized chrysanthemums and their warm blue and black colors, the beauty of this length is also in its marvelously textured hand spun cotton yarns.

Hand spun yarn is a desirable feature of old Japanese folk textiles and one that should be sought out, if possible.

This length shows richly textured yarns. The length was first dyed in a light-to-medium toned indigo and was then stenciled over with black color.

The result is this attractive length of cloth that was no doubt once part of a futon cover.