A Length of Indigo Dyed Katazome Cotton: Stylized Pine Bark Repeat

early twentieth century
26 1/2" x 13", 67 cm x 33 cm

This is a length of indigo dyed katazome cotton that shows a pattern called matsukawabishi or pine bark rendered in a pattern of stylized diamond shapes.

Judging from the size of the piece and from the type of pattern it is we can assume it was taken from a han juban or a half under-kimono. 

The pattern is small in scale and if you look closely at the entire piece you will see horizontal lines which indicate the size of the stencil that was laid on the cloth to create what was meant to be a seamless repeat.

This is a charming length of old katazome cotton with a traditional, repeat pattern--and a beautiful one.