A Really Beautiful Length of Cotton: Stripes and Weft Kasuri

ca. late nineteenth, early twentieth century
61" x 13", 155 cm x 33 cm 

This length of heavily and tightly woven indigo dyed cotton is just stunning in its simplicity and its elegance.  

Richly colored stripes dominate the field of deep blue, and against this graphic background are woven kasuri or ikat designs which appear as white, linear shapes.  The shapes appear abstract but the seem to be the suggestion of stylized pine bark or matsukawabishi and folding fans.  The form of these woven images morphs along the length of this heavy cotton cloth, a result of weaving.

The entire concept and execution of this length of length of cloth is entirely sophisticated, which is not surprising. San'in, the area where this cloth was woven, produced some of the most interestingly designed and made cloth in Japan, and it is in this area where there are many fine and distinctive textile traditions.

A gorgeous length of very good cloth.

Very recommended for its age, good color, fine weaving, and superb design.  A real taste of old Japan.