A Stunning 19th Century Katazome Jacket: Complex Resist Dyed Patterning

mid to late nineteenth century
32" x 48", 81.25 cm x 122 cm

This is a marvelous garment for its fantastically good katazome dyed cotton, which, as you can see, is a very intricately designed pattern.

The design of the katazome pattern is soft and complex: narrow, dark diagonal lines intersect a field of vertical lines which vary in thickness in order to produce a repeat image: it is amazing to think that an artist conceived of this sophisticated design and it is even more amazing to think that an artisan had the ability to cut the stencil used in the dyeing of this jacket.

The coat itself is of a nice weight cotton and is completely hand stitched.  If you look at the detail photos you will see that some areas inside the coat are mended with small patches.  Also, inside the coat, there  are a few small stains.

Overall the condition of the jacket is good for its age and still very wearable.

The impression of the pattern when seen from a distance is that of softness and of a diffused, repeated, geometric design which suggests nature or the natural world.

A fantastically good piece of old katazome dyed cotton.

Highly recommended.