A Patched Boro Katazome Panel: Bold Designs

early twentieth century
60 1/2" x 13 1/4", 153.5 cm x 33.5 cm

This is a beautiful length of blue-on-blue katazome dyed cotton cloth which seems to be hand woven from hand spun cotton.  The repeat pattern on the cloth is that of large scale chrysanthemums against a field of trailing vine arabesque known as karakusa in Japan.  The indigo which dyed this piece has oxidized a bit and the color has gone a bit steely blue-grey: very attractive.

The length is patched with three bold cotton patches, two in blue and one which is resist dyed and is a nice contrast to the base cloth and the two other patches which share the surface.  Also note an almost perfectly circular dark stain on the top portion of the cloth, shown in photos attached.  As well, note the slight tear to the upper left corner of the cloth.

A richly patterned length of cloth, this boro length is very attractive and shows good age.

Beautiful.