An Elaborately Designed Length of Old Katazome Cotton: Indian Feeling

late nineteenth century
19" x 13", 48.25 cm x 33 cm

This elaborately designed and rendered length of old indigo dyed cotton katazome cloth shows a complex pattern of flowers (peonies?), tendrils of arabesques and medallions of black and white designs.

The style of drawing or the type of design seems to nod its head to Indian trade cloth, called sarasa in Japan, which was collected and admired by the upper echelon of Japanese society during the Edo period and after.

What is so lovely about this cloth aside from its wonderful design is its color: the black and white drawing against the warm, indigo blue background is super attractive. The mid range tones of grey used as shading adds depth to the overall effect.

The cotton yarns are hand spun and the cotton cloth is hand woven. 

Beautiful in every way.