A Length of Katazome Dyed Cotton: Moire or Woodgrain

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
53" x 12 7/8", 134.5 cm x 32.5 cm

This is a length of brownish-toned, twice dyed katazome cotton that shows a pattern of woodgrain or moire. 

The cloth was more than likely used as part of a futon and, as such, it shows some wear from age and use.

The panel is slightly abraded all over and at the top and bottom edge there is some faint fading. Otherwise the cloth is in the kind of condition you would expect for something about 100 years old that had been put to good use during its lifetime.

Woodgrain is a motif seen in shibori dyeing as mokume and very rarely is it seen in katazome dyeing. This beauty is rare for that reason.