A Dark Toned Indigo Cotton Panel: Sankuzushi Plaid

late nineteenth century
59 1/2" x 13 1/2", 151 cm x 34.25 cm

This length of hand woven cotton shows richly saturated indigo dyed yarns which were woven in a complex check pattern, one of the many variations on a pattern popular in the 19th century called sankuzushi.

The play of color is of an inky blue against a sapphire blue and the finished effect offers a pattern which is luminous in tone.  The very dark blue forces the lighter indigo to appear as a very rich component of the design.

Beautifully woven and its original dyes still very vibrant, this length of cloth is lovely.  In good, used condition there is one, very dark blue cotton mending patch.

Gorgeous.