A Length of Three Tsutsugaki Ivy Crests: Overdyed Indigo

late nineteenth century
12 1/2" x 70", 31.5 cm x 178 cm

This long piece of old, tsutsugaki or freehand resist dyed cotton shows three nicely rendered family crests showing stylized ivy. 

By the placement of the crests along the length of this cotton piece it seems that this was taken from a yutan which is a cloth that is tailored to fit over and to cover furniture or chests.

The background tone is a lush, mossy green color. This is the result of indigo being over dyed with a yellow dye. The ivy are only dyed in indigo.

As can be seen in the photos here and what is highlighted in the detail photos is that the green areas of the cloth show smudges and stain-like areas; there are small stains on one of the ivy crests and this is illustrated on one of the photos that accompany this post.

The cotton is hand woven and seems to be made of hand spun yarns.

This is a delightful length of old tsutsugaki and one that shows good color and bold graphics.