A Very Faded Shop Sign Panel: Resist Dyed Noren
ca. early to mid twentieth century
57" x 13 1/2", 144.5 cm x 345 cm
This lovely length of indigo dyed, heavy canvas-like cotton has been very much weathered from exposure to light and the elements, which gives it its rich patina and its faded color.
This is one panel from a resist-dyed noren, a kind of curtain that is hung outside shops and restaurants, announcing the name of the establishment, and, when displayed, announcing that the establishment is open for business.
This one does not show the selvedge edges; it may be a commercially produced cotton and the long edges seem to have been cut.
As has been noted above, the original, deep, indigo color has faded
and oxidized to an uneven soft, grey-blue tone. The undyed areas show ingrained weathering and discoloration from exposure to the elements.
