A Very Long Piece of Omi Jofu: Premium Quality Hemp or Ramie Cloth

early twentieth century
88" x 12 1/2", 223.5 cm x 32 cm

This very long piece of indigo dyed cloth is a piece of Japan's famou Omi jofu, a very finely woven and figured hemp or ramie cloth from present day Shiga prefecture.

Omi jofu is of premium quality and it ranks among Japan's finest hemp and ramie textiles.  This particular piece has good age and beautiful kasuri pattern is embedded into its weave--the length is hand stitched of two pieces and some stray threads still attached to the selvedge tells us that this piece was taken from a kimono.

The pattern woven into this cloth is that of what appear to be plum blossoms and the ceremonial, auspicious noshi. As with most kasuri patterns from Omi, this one shows a weft-based image that is highlighted by warp-based designs which create a sparkling or dazzling effect on the cloth. 

This beautifully patterned length of cloth is in good, used condition: please note that along the length of the selvedge edges on both sides small holes can be found--these are pictured in the attached detail photos.  As well, there are some small sprays of faint stains

Just wonderful.