ca. early twentieth century
70" x 13", 178 cm x 33 cm

Zanshi ori is a type of cloth that utilizes leftover yarns from various spools; the leftovers are generally used for the weft yarns, while the warp yarns are set in a standard fashion, as in the case with this piece.

This length of zanshi is really complex and lovely: note how intricately the cloth is warped with its very narrow stripes of white.  The weft is fed with rich, random indigo threads and others--please look carefully at the detail photos to appreciate the subtle beauty of the weft yarns and how they are utilized here.  Really gorgeous.

This zanshi cloth shows two cotton patches and about 15 or so very small holes.  It is a really sophisticated statement in recycling and thrift, and certainly it is a very good acquisition for the collector of Japanese rural cloth.

Gorgeous.