A Length of Wasarasa: Inspired by Indian Trade Cloth

early twentieth century
43" x 13 1/2", 109 cm x 34.25 cm

This charming cloth dates probably to either the Taisho (1912-1926) or very early Showa (1926 - 1989) period when this type of figured cotton cloth of this coloration and richly patterned design was popular.

It is a kind of wasarasa or a Japanese-made Indian trade cloth-inspired cotton: on this length we see a profusion of old coins intermixed with decorative roundels, the roundels are almost exact duplicates of designs found on traditional Indian trade cloth that was commissioned for the Japanese market.

The cotton here is lightweight and this was probably intended as a lining for a jacket or perhaps for an undergarment.

Absolutely enchanting to look at this is a visually distinctive early twentieth century cloth of which this is a fine example.