ca. late Nineteenth, early Twentieth century
63" x 12 1/2", 159 cm x 32 cm

Zanshi is a very specialized and collectible utilitarian folk textile; it is, in part, or entirely, woven from leftover threads from spools that were dedicated to other projects.

Note the weft threads of this textile, and the subtle, random spacing of the color and stripes: this is due to the weft yarn being made of leftovers and thus yiedling this 'space dyed' effect.  The warp, however, is uniform.

The color of this handspun, hand woven cloth is clear and beautifully blue.  The koshi, or plaid, is wonderfully and elegantly designed.  Cotton reinforcing or meding patches are sewn on in a random way and are made of very handsome fabrics.

This panel is part of a futon cover, and is a serious addition to any collection of Japanese folk textiles.

Recommended.