A Length of Tsutsugaki Dyed Cotton: Family Crest and Shadow Image

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
57" x 13", 145 cm x 33 cm

This is a length of hand spun, hand woven cotton that was dyed in the tsutsugaki method.

In the center we see about a third of a large-scale family crest which is that of a stylized paulownia flower and below it we see something of a ghost image, in this case it seems to be composed of a sprig of pine and some bamboo.

In the case of the pine and bamboo any hand painted details to this area have been washed away so we are unable to enjoy the detailing that was intended. However there is a very different form of appreciation of old things that have changed over time, and this length of cloth can be seen as beautiful by those who understand this aesthetic.

A lovely thing with a whiff of mystery.