A Length of Resist Dyed Cotton: Trailing Vines

early to mid twentieth century
47" x 19", 119.5 cm x 48.25 cm

This length of machine woven cotton is dyed in a resist dyed method and it seems likely that the green color on this length is the result of over dyeing indigo with a yellow dye.

This is part of a larger piece and here we see one full loom width of cloth to which is stitched one half loom width. The main design that runs the length of the panels is that of karakusa or arabesque or trailing vine; the way the design is "broken" by the stitching and repositioning of the two panels is visually attractive as can easily be seen here.

There are ingrained creases from wear (especially around the top and bottom edge and corners), some pretty obvious light fading and some very faint staining which are all indications that this length was used hard in its former life.

Simple, beautiful and with an interesting design this is a lovely length of resist dyed cotton with a captivating visual presence.