A Length of Faded Katazome Cotton: Cranes and Noshi

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
60" x 12", 152.5 cm x 30.5 cm

This is a very faded and worn length of cloth that shows a boldly graphic and rather rustic pattern of two auspicious motifs, the crane and noshi which are dyed in the katazome or stencil resist dyed method.

The crane is a symbol of long life and conjugal fidelity; the noshi--which traditionally was made of strips of dried abalone--conveys a wish for good fortune.

Because of the symbolic imagery shown here this length was more than likely taken from a futon cover that was part of a bridal trousseau.

You can see the indigo on the length has faded, softened and gone a bit grey. As well there is a series of small holes along both selvedge edges, one of which is shown on the detail photos here as an example of its kind.

A charming depiction of these two traditional motifs this is a good-sized length of old, hand woven katazome dyed cotton.

Just lovely.