A Length of Katazome Dyed Cotton: Carp as Roundels

late nineteenth century
34 1/2" x 13", 87.5 cm x 33 cm

This is a length of faded, hand spun, hand woven cotton that has been dyed in the katazome method.

It shows a marvelous pattern of fancifully rendered carp which are shaped as roundels. The carp images are tinted with a grey tone which adds dimension and visual interest--as does the intricate detailing that can be seen on each of the roundel images.

Lyrically drawn arabesques provide a background to these medallions and they add a kind of buoyant feeling to the overall design.

Carp are a traditional motif whose iconography comes from China. It is believed that if the carp has the audacity, courage and determination to jump up and over a rushing waterfall it will be magically transformed into the noble and mythical dragon.

This is a wonderful length of old katazome dyed cotton and the length has a few, small holes which are virtually impossible to detect at first--one of them is pictured here.

Recommended.