Meiji Era, c. 1910
63" / 160 cm high x 37 1/2"/ 95 cm wide

Exceedingly subtle and very elegant of design and coloration, this three-panel textile is made from leftover threads of weaving bobbins.

The beautiful striations throughout are due to the random action of tying remaindered thread together, the verso of the textile, shown, is a galaxy of tiny knots from connecting these scattered threads. Zanshi is rare and little-known even in Japan and this piece--with its muted colors and narrow stripes--is a joy to behold; certainly it will give visual pleasure for a good, long time to come.

This piece is highly recommended for a serious collector of Japanese folk textiles.