A Pieced and Reconfigured Tsutsugaki Panel: Playfully Depicted Cherry Blossoms

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
56" x 13", 142 cm x 33 cm

This length of hand spun, hand woven cotton is dyed in the tsutsugaki method--or freehand paste resist method--using two tones of natural indigo.

The length is hand stitched from four pieces which gives the image on the bottom area its fractured look.

This piece shows highly stylized cherry blossoms with unusually elongated petals set against a swirling shape which is probably meant to suggest a stream or brook.

The style of drawing used here suggests the influence of Art Nouveau whose style was widely known and adapted by many countries and cultures by the end of the 19th century--in fact Japanese design more than likely had an impact on the germination of the Art Nouveau style.

Please note the stitched repair to the bottom, right of the length.

A beautiful length of old tsutsugaki dyed cotton with a wonderful and surprising design.

Recommended.