An Itajime Shibori Diaper: Machine Stitched Closure

mid twentieth century
28 3/4" x 11 3/4", 73 cm x 30 cm

This lightweight cotton cloth is a traditional, Japanese diaper and is dyed in the itajime shibori or clamp dyed method.  This particular diaper, is stitched together to form a "tube" and the above noted dimensions reflect the size of the piece as shown.  Were the tube undone, the length would be twice what is noted.  

To create the shibori pattern, the cotton would have been folded in a series of triangular folds, then clamped, and then the edges would have been dyed.  The result is this field of blue on white, kaleidoscopic, eight pointed "flowers" which are configured more or less along the lines of a hexagon. 

The shibori dyed cotton face is quite clear and shows little wear. In good, used condition.  The cloth is stitched closed by a machine.

Really lovely.