A Length of Blue-on-Blue Katazome Cotton: Chrysanthemums and Hexagons

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
64 3/4" x 13 1/2", 162.5 cm x 34 cm

This is a length of hand spun, hand woven cotton that has been dyed in two tones of indigo or ai gaeshi as it is referred to in Japan.

The pattern is a lovely and regular one that shows a repeat of stylized chrysanthemums in a field of hexagons, the hexagons are made of floral-inspired design elements. Interesting to note that the hexagon in Japanese design is shorthand for tortoiseshell, the tortoise is a symbol for long life. Therefore in a hexagon-based design the inference is toward tortoiseshell and conveys a wish for a long life.

The length is somewhat faded and this shows off the lovely hand spun cotton yarns. The length is in otherwise good, used condition which, for its age, is understandable.

Beautiful.