A Length of Zanshi Ori with Sakiori Details: Torn Cloth Weft

early twentieth century
35" x 13", 89 cm x 33 cm

Zanshi ori is cloth that is woven from threads either leftover from home production of yarn making, or from broken threads that were purchased from local commercial weavers.  Usually the weft is fed with these random threads while generally the warp is regulated; if home threads are used, knotted slubs can often be seen.

This length of zanshi ori is unusual because many of its thicker-gauged weft yarns are made of torn strips of cloth instead of leftover yarn. This type of weft yarn adds a richness of texture to the overall piece and marks this length as being unusual when it comes to leftover yarn weaving.

The overall color is faded and good, and the length is stitched from two separate pieces.

For those interested in the repurposing or recycling of materials this length is particularly relevant and interesting--and beautiful to look at.