A Length of Katazome Dyed Cotton: Elaborate Rendition of Interlocking Circles

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
36 1/2" x 12 3/4", 92.5 cm x 32.5 cm

This length of indigo dyed cotton katazome cloth has faded or oxidized to a neutral grey-ish tone. The cotton is hand spun and hand woven--and the texture is marvelous.

The pattern is almost European in design and it might show some influence from the English Arts and Crafts movement.

The design is of interlocking circles that have details of arabesques drawn on to them. And in front are six-petaled flowers that are either some form of fantasy flower or, more likely, a clematis.

The design is exceedingly complex and layered--it is a wonder to look at and one's mind can easily fall into the design and marvel how it was conceived and executed.