A Patched, Pieced Length of Zanshi ori: Leftover Yarn Weaving
early twentieth century
59" x 13 3/4", 150 cm x 35 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 warp is regulated and the weft is fed with these random threads producing an irregular horizontal 'striping'; if home threads are used, knotted slubs can often be seen.
This is an extremely good looking and good quality length of zanshi ori, notable for its rich, sapphire-like indigo color tones and its fine design.
Please note that this length is made from three pieces which are hand-stitched together and, as well, there are two mending patches, each shown on the accompanying detail photographs.
The slubby texture of the hand woven cloth is beautiful as it shows the knots used to connect the various leftover threads to create the long, continuous filament necessary to weave the bolt this length was taken from.
The random design of the weft is very well seen here and, in fact, pay attention to some of the detail photographs and you will see colored yarn stopping midway on the weft, a real indicator that various colors and types of leftover yarns were connected together for the weft material.
Simply beautiful to look at and to admire. This is a very good example of zanshi ori.
Recommended.