A Fine Length of Indigo Dyed Kasuri Cotton: Matsu kawabishi

ca. mid twentieth century
58" x 13 1/2", 147.25 cm x 34 cm 

This is a beautiful length of indigo dyed cotton kasuri cloth which seems not to have been used, and if it was, it is very lightly worn.

The ikat cloth is hand woven in such a way that the weft yarns form a large-scale, all over pattern called matsu kawabishi, or a stylized version of pine bark.  The motif touches each of the two selvedge edges of the cloth.

Notice the flickerings of white that rain down the length of the cloth: this is due to selectively placed kasuri warp yarns and this effect adds much to the overall look of this wonderful, traditional pattern.

A gorgeous length of hand woven, indigo dyed cotton kasuri.

Just beautiful.