A Length of Patched Narumi Kongata: One-half of a Han Juban

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
54 1/2" x 12 1/4", 138.5 cm x 32 cm

Narumi kongata is a multi-stenciled type of katazome dyeing: the many stencils used in this process are in the service of making soft edges and contours to images as well as for evoking a shibori type of effect.

This particular length of Narumi kongata shows a particularly iconic type of pattern that exemplifies what was just described above.

It is heavily patched and there is a notch to the right hand side of the fragment. The length is finished on both short ends and, along with the center notch, it is clear that this piece was taken from a han juban or a half under kimono.

Narumi kongata is a kind of katazome that is always considered to be a step above "regular" katazome for the simple fact that it requires specialized and remarkable skill to make.

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