A Length of Nineteenth Century Katazome Cotton: Highly Unusual Design

late nineteenth century
42 1/4" x 13 1/4", 107 cm x 33.5 cm

This is a remarkably interesting length of hand spun, hand woven, indigo dyed cotton cloth--the katazome pattern shown on this length is surprising and very rare.

The repeat pattern is that of cranes which are configured in two types of roundels.

In one of the two roundels the cranes face each other and appear to be kissing: it is an unbelievably interesting design. As the cranes' wings are spread, and in the way they face one another, they form a kind of roundel shape. It is easy to miss the interlocked beaks at first, but this aspect is the root of the visual surprise and it is what makes this length so rare.

A group of three cranes forms another type of roundel which is less easy to see on this length as the "kissing" pair is the focus.

The fading and wear to this length only serve to accentuate the beauty of the hand spun yarns and the faded hue of the orange highlights is in keeping with the beautifully fading to the length.

Recommended. This is a real find.