A Zanshi Striped Panel: Indigo and Benibana

ca. late nineteenth, early twentieth century
50" x 13 3/4", 127 cm x 35 cm

Zanshi-ori is cloth which is woven from left over yarns.  Usually it is the weft yarns that are the leftover yarns and the warp yarns are fixed--such as the case here.

If you look closely at the accompanying photos you will notice the slightly slubby texture to the indigo dyed cotton; this is the result of the yarns being tied together to create one long filament.  

And notice, too, the slightly coral coloration on the alternating, horizontal bars: this is the result of the yarns being dyed in benibana, or safflower.

This is a handsome length of zanshi cloth, beautifully hand woven, and a very good textile from old Japan.  It is in good condition.