A Length of Taisho era Cotton: Low Contrast Grid and Butterflies

early twentieth century
41 1/2" x 13 1/2", 105.5 cm x 34 cm

This length of cloth seems to be a type of pattern that was made popular during the Taisho era (1912-1926) or slightly before.

It shows a grid composed of three bars going in two different directions and of two different widths. There is not a great deal of contrast between the tone of the grid and the background, both of which are of a drab brownish grey color.

Small clusters of butterflies are situated on grid and add a levity to the design that would be a bit staid if the butterflies were not scattered around it.

This is handsome length of cotton cloth that could easily be from the Meiji era (1868-1912) but its exact age is uncertain.