A Small Layered Mat of Sekka Shibori: Hand Stitched and Quilted

mid twentieth century
25 1/2" x 18 1/2", 65 cm x 47 cm

This layered cotton cloth is dyed in the itajime shibori or clamp dyed method. 

For the itajime shibori method the cotton would have been folded in a series of triangular folds, then clamped, and then the edges would have been dyed.  The result is this field of deep-toned, rich indigo on white, six pointed "flowers" which are arranged in ordered repeat. 

The pattern also forms a repeat of hexagons which in the language of symbolism refers to tortoiseshell or a wish for long life.

The cloth is three layers thick and is stitched together using black thread; it is in good, used condition--and do note the nice stitching to the two top corners.

Really lovely.