A Length of Kasuri Dyed Cotton: Checkerboard Two Ways

early to mid twentieth century
72" x 13 1/4", 183 cm x 33.5 cm

This is a length of indigo dyed kasuri cotton whose indigo tones are so dark as to read as black.

The pattern is that of a checkerboard but this is an interesting treatment of it: it is seen both as "macro" and "micro." When looked at comprehensively and from a distance we see a checkerboard pattern on the entire length. When inspected further, and close-up, we see that the light toned squares are they themselves checkerboard--and this makes for an compellingly interesting design concept.

In the blue/black squares we see a kasuri woven "X," another nice detail.

The length was machine stitched from two pieces and the condition is very good and used. There are no obvious flaws to the piece which seems to have had very little wear over time.

A beauty.