A Length of Graphically Patterned Katazome Cotton: Blue and White Diamond Background

late nineteenth century
40 1/2" x 13 1/4", 103 cm x 33.5 cm

What a boldly designed length of indigo dyed katazome cotton cloth.

The background of this cloth shows a starkly contrasting tilted checkerboard or a field of diamonds. Floating on this ground are some kind of fruit, perhaps persimmon, perhaps tachibana or Mandarin orange, it is hard to say.

The design of the pattern is so lacking in nuance that it could be seen to be almost cartoonish. So interesting to see such a pared-down katazome design since so many of them seem to pride themselves on their complexity and high level of skilled detail.

The cloth is hand woven from hand spun yarns and its appeal is immediate and joyous. One small speck of a stain, shown in the detail photos here.

What a tremendously enjoyable length of old katazome dyed cotton.

Recommended.