A Length of Discharge Dyed Shibori: Very Unusual and Rare

early to mid twentieth century
26" x 12 1/2", 66 cm x 32 cm

This is a rare and unusual type of shibori which seems to be dyed using a discharge agent--the tones of the entire design are "reversed."

On this piece, what is ordinarily blue is colored white; what is ordinarily white is colored blue. For example the arashi ground design (the interlocking, diagonal striped pattern) is  white on blue rather than the typical blue on white.

The way this was made is fairly mysterious: one rarely, if ever, encounters such a type of shibori and for that reason this length is both an interesting study piece and also a rarity. If anyone out there knows how this dyed effect was achieved, please share your knowledge!

The pattern on this cloth shows a repeat design of folding fans, cherry blossoms and a large, lozenge shape which is a traditional design and is stylized pine bark.  The "rain" effect that cuts through all the design is arashi or "storm" shibori.

Collectible, rare and recommended.