A Resist Dyed Furoshiki with Hand Painted Details: Unusual "Bandanna" Style

early twentieth century
42" x 37", 106.5 cm x 94 cm

This is an indigo dyed cotton furoshiki or carrying/wrapping/hauling cloth which has been resist dyed in an unusual design.

The design is unusual because the karakusa or arabesque motif is squared-off to mirror the outside shape of the cloth. This application of design makes this furoshiki look remarkably like a traditional bandanna, which it probably has no intention to do.

An interesting note about the resist dyed design is that small details within the curly leaves have been hand painted in order to make give the design more detail or to make the leaves seem more crisp.

As can be seen on the accompanying detail photos, the cotton cloth is well-worn and shows surface abrasion. Note as well that the right and left sides of the furoshiki are finished with back stitching done in white thread.

Recommended.