A Length of Katazome Dyed Cotton: A Field of Roundels

early twentieth century
35" x 13 1/2", 89 cm x 34 cm

This is a length of indigo dyed, hand spun, hand woven cotton katazome cloth that shows a wonderful pattern that is chock full of auspicious symbols.

The design is based on roundels. Each roundel shows a stylized symbol: bamboo, tortoise, crane and pine.

The tortoise, crane and pine each symbolize a wish for a long life. The pine and the crane also symbolize conjugal fidelity--cranes mate for life and since pine needles fall in pairs the pine has become a symbol of faithfulness.

Bamboo conveys a wish for resilience: bamboo bends but it does not break.

The pattern is as buoyant as it is meaningful. There is one faint stain (shown) and a snag to the cloth (also shown), otherwise it is in good, used condition.

This is a joy to behold and a rather ingenious working of these traditional motifs.