A Length of Two Sided Katazome: Maple Leaves

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
27" x 13 1/2", 68.5 cm x 35 cm

This is a length of indigo dyed katatzome cotton that shows a pattern of maple leaves and weeping cherry branches and their blooms. The pattern is good-sized in relation to the length.

This is the type of pattern that was typically used on a woman's han juban or half under kimono and it would not be a surprise if this length indeed comes from a han juban.

The pattern is resist dyed on both its sides so, in effect, the cloth is reversible.

The indigo tone has softened and slightly oxidized, the cloth shows some faint, overall surface wear and otherwise it is in good, used condition.

Just lovely.