A Long, Narrow Length of Gromwell Root Dyed Shibori: Shikon Mokume

ca. mid twentieth century
56" x 6 1/4", 142 cm x 16 cm

This is an attractive length of cloth for those who are interested in traditional Japanese botanical dyeing and shibori.

A narrow, long piece of powerloomed cotton, this is dyed in shikon or gromwell root, a traditional purple dyestuff.  The shibori technique is mokume or wood grain.

The color of the shikon has faded a bit and gone a bit cool, and there is a stain in the center of the length which is shown in the accompanying photos here.

Still, for those of you who know that shikon is a something of a precious dyestuff--and it is--and that dyed cotton examples are rather pricey--they always are--this nicely faded piece is a lovely thing to own.