A Length of Two Process Patterned Cotton: Shibori and Stencil Dyeing

early to mid twentieth century
32" x 13 1/2", 81.5 cm x 34 cm

This is a length of cotton that has been dyed in two different techniques: shibori and stencil dyeing.

The shibori is seen as wide, uneven, diagonally-oriented bars. The bars are composed of a countless number of little blips which indicate that a sophisticated shibori technique was employed to create this pattern.

On top of these we see a completely different type of pattern which is that of solid bars of evenly spaced vertical lines. When doing stencil dyeing one of the most challenging designs to dye is this one because in order to achieve a flawless, continuous design of unbroken lines there needs to be tremendous skill and practice doing this kind of pattern.

Shown in the detail photos here are close-ups of the slight discoloration to the cloth. It is hardly visible when seen in person but as these areas of discoloration exist they are shown here.

This is a marvelously complex length of old cotton which needed a very sophisticated artisan to create it.