A Length of Tsutsugaki Dyed Cotton: Origami Cranes

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
50" x 13 1/4", 127 cm x 33.5 cm

This length of hand woven, indigo dyed cotton is decorated in the free hand paste resist technique called tsutsugaki.

The length shows four origami cranes, two pairs, each pair in opposing directions: this curious design detail leads us to believe that this length was intended to be used as a garment where front and back would read properly.

Three cranes are in medium blue color while one is pure white. The resist dyed drawing is of good quality and the motif is charming.

As can be easily seen the cloth is scuffed a bit and shows a few snags and holes, but it is a very lovely length of tsutsugaki cloth.

Wonderful.