A Length of Stenciled Hemp or Ramie Cloth: Summer Futon Cover
early to mid twentieth century
58" x 13", 147.5 cm x 33 cm
This is a length of lightweight hemp or ramie cloth that was no doubt used for a summer futon cover.
The large repeat pattern was stenciled onto to the cloth: the dye was most likely applied directly to the cloth through a stencil rather than being resist dyed.
The pattern is of pairs of large flowers, probably a variant on the diamond flower, and the background is a repeat of diamond inside which is placed one stylized chrysanthemum.
In good, used condition this is a lovely and translucent piece of old asa or bast fiber cloth.
**It seems the color of the dye is not fixed so it is advisable not to wash this length for fear of the color running or staining the undyed areas.