A Length of Katazome Dyed Cotton: Abstracted Pine Bark Motif

late nineteenth century
64" x 12 3/4", 162.5 cm x 32.5 cm

This very handsome length of indigo dyed cotton was resisted in the katazome method on a base of hand spun, hand woven cotton.

The pattern is a favorite here. It is referred to in Japan as matsukawabishi or a repeat pattern of stylized pine bark. The pattern shows as a strong, clear image owing to it being stencil resisted on both its sides: this aspect of katazome dyeing was not always done as it requires amazing skill, patience and time.

The color of the indigo is nicely faded and the surface is somewhat softened from decades of use.

It is a beautiful, desirable pattern and the cloth is in good, used condition.

A beauty.