A Length of Beautiful, Dark Toned Katazome Cotton: End Bolt

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
57" x 13", 145 cm x 33 cm

This length of dark toned katazome cloth shows a repeat pattern of a tight field of large scale hexagons, the hexagon in Japan is visual shorthand for tortoise shell which, as tortoises live a long life, carries the wish for longevity.

The overall tone is one of a visually sparkling dark tone. The spaces between the hexagons are decorated with stylized chrysanthemums and arabesques while inside each of the hexagon cells is another stylized flower, possibly invented or possibly an iteration of the melon flower.

At the top of the length you can see a horizontal bar of indigo, a flaw in the dyeing process which adds rustic charm to the piece, while at the bottom of the length you see two white, undyed areas which indicate this was the end of a bolt, a charming detail.

The impression given by this length of cloth is one of rich, deep indigo tones that is attractive and slightly unusual for its color tones.

A beauty.