A Lyrically Designed Length of Kasuri: Gourds and Cords

mid twentieth century
40" x 14 1/12", 101.5 cm x 37 cm

This length of indigo dyed cotton seems to be the sleeve portion taken either from a kimono or, more likely, a yogi which is an oversized, kimono-shaped duvet. There are creases to the cloth which indicate this.

It is a fragment of kasuri or ikat which is cloth woven from yarns that have been resisted before they were dyed and woven.

The image shown here is just delightful. It is a repeat pattern of a set of three gourds and trailing and lyrically placed tasseled silk cords done in a fairly large repeat.

The indigo is a medium-dark blue color and is most likely not botanical and if it is, it is partially synthetic.

The cloth is in good condition for its age and its pattern is unusual and well-conceived and executed.

Just beautiful.