A Partial Bolt of Itajime Shibori: Arimatsu Dyeing

mid twentieth century
9 1/2 yards x 13", 8.7 m x 33 cm

This is an almost-complete bolt of boldly patterned itajime shibori cotton cloth, the clamp dyed shibori being done in indigo.

One full bolt usually measures to around 11 yards or 10 meters and this one is not quite that long.

The pattern is interesting because its kind of a flowery, or feathery treatment of the traditional hexagon pattern, a design that is Japanese shorthand for tortoiseshell which in turn conveys a wish for a long life.

At the front of the bolt the undyed white cotton shows a bit of offset from the indigo blue tone of the deeply dyed, sapphire-rich design. Otherwise the bolt is fairly clear and is lacking in stains or tears. The cloth is in very good condition and it is seemingly unused.

Recommended--and beautiful!