A Length of Katazome Dyed Cotton: Cranes and Clouds

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
32" x 13", 81 cm x 33 cm

This delicately rendered, pale and faded length of indigo dyed katazome cotton shows a repeat image of a lighthearted scene: cranes frolicking among the clouds.

To create an airy atmosphere the design is drawn almost entirely of dots which allows the image to appear transparent.

This faint image is deliberately dyed by a master katazome dyer because it appears on the back of the cloth as clearly as it does on the front of the cloth with the exception of the dark details that show only on the front. This indicates the cotton was stenciled on front and back and that the stenciling was perfectly registered.

There is significant light fading and overall surface wear to this length but both of these aspects serves to create an ethereal impression. 

Lovely.