A Length of Intricately Dyed Katazome Cloth: Peonies
early twentieth century
70" x 12 1/2", 178 cm x 32 cmÂ
This is a length of hand woven, hand spun cotton cloth that is dyed in the katazome method. The length is composed of two pieces that are hand stitched together.
The pattern is based on stylized peonies and arabesques, the background tone is greyish in color and the peonies have a charmingly simple design.
There are lovely details on the pattern: one is the appearance of hand painted, fine black lines that clearly was stencil applied while the other is the vestige of what must have been a pigmented application in the color of coral or orange. Most of this coral or orange tone detail has chipped on and there are just a few spots remaining.
The length has a light feeling due to the amount of undyed cotton and the greyish background. Please note the area of loss to the left side, just under the join.
It is fun to look at and it has an elegantly lighthearted visual appeal.
