A Length of Indigo Dyed Cotton Katazome: Chrysanthemums and Butterflies

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
36 1/2" x 12 3/4", 93 cm x 32.5 cm 

This delicately patterned, deeply indigo dyed length of katazome cotton shows a pattern of stylized chrysanthemums and butterflies. 

The pattern is a bright white on a richly-toned ground, the pattern is so clear because the cloth was stencil resist dyed on both its sides.

This is the type of pattern that was more than likely used on a han juban or a half under kimono and the length of the cloth reinforces this idea as it would be the length culled from a standard-sized han juban.

The condition is good and used and the color is still an intense, inky blue. 

Beautiful.