A Zanshi-ori Boro Length: Leftover Kasuri Warp Yarns

ca. late nineteenth century
69" x 13", 175 cm x 33 cm

This is a very interesting length of old, indigo dyed cotton cloth.

First because it is a variant of zanshi-ori which is cloth woven from leftover yarns.  We can see evidence of this in the deep colored areas of the cloth which show white, vertically-oriented flecks: these flecks are due to kasuri yarns that have been used as part of the warp.

Another interesting thing is the nature of the stripes: the graded stripes were used quite often in nineteenth century weaving, and they are said to resemble a waterfall.  Lovely to ponder.

The bold, large patches, two of them, are of a good, handwoven stripe with a white-flecked, kasuri yarn-based warp.

All in all, this is a very good looking boro piece with an excellent base cloth of old, Japanese cotton.

Recommended.