A Length of Katazome Dyed Cotton: Fantasy Swirls

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
54" x 13 1/4", 137 cm x 33.5 cm

This is a length of indigo dyed katazome cotton that shows an amazingly interesting, large repeat of loose, three-pronged, abstract swirls against a background of closely set vertical stripes. Small images of chidori or plovers appear to be flitting in the pattern, their small size suggesting a large scale for the swirls.

Each arm of the swirl is designed with a different pattern or motif. The design is abstract and lyrical while at the same time being highly unusual and super-inventive.

This length was taken from a lightly starched yukata which is an unlined cotton casual kimono often worn in summer or indoors while relaxing.

There are some ingrained creases from its former life as a yukata but overall the length is in good, used condition.

Recommended.