A Length of Indigo Dyed Cotton Katazome: Cranes and Young Pine

late nineteenth century
34" x 13 1/12", 86.5 cm x 34 cm

This is a length of faded katazome dyed cotton whose base cloth is woven from hand spun, hand woven yarns. Its color is a charcoal grey tone which might be oxidation of indigo or it could have been dyed in this color originally and faded to this medium value.

The design is that of cranes as roundels amid a field of young pine. Cranes and pine are both symbols that call for a wish for long life. Young pine, with their roots exposed, have a deeper meaning which asks for hope for many offspring.

The bottom, left hand corner is slightly damaged which can be seen in photos here and the fading to the length is even and overall.

This is a wonderfully expressive length of old katazome dyed cotton which conveys beautiful sentiments for good things.