A Length of Shibori Dyed Cotton: Diagonal Tatewaku

early to mid twentieth century
26" x 13 3/4", 66 cm x 33.5 cm

This is a length of indigo dyed cotton shibori that was produced in Arimatsu, one of the towns in Aichi prefecture that was a leading producer and innovator in the production of shibori. 

The pattern is a variation on the traditional tatewaku or "rising steam" motif which is composed of parallel, undulating lines. In this case the undulating lines are skewed on the diagonal. This one is shown in three tones: undyed or white, pale blue and deep blue. The deep blue zone shows tie dyed, abstracted chrysanthemums. 

The pattern is dyed onto a length of commercially loomed, fairly lightweight cotton and is in good, used condition. Note the specks of stain on the top of the length as well as the shibori stitches still embedded in the cloth.