A Length of Katazome Dyed Cotton: Peonies and Bamboo

late nineteenth century
28" x 12 3/4", 71 cm x 32.3 cm

This length of grey on white katazome cotton is beautiful not just for its bold, graphic pattern but also for its hand spun yarns. Hand spun cotton gives cloth its taste flavor as the Japanese like to call it and it enhances the quality of appreciation of the cloth itself.

Here we see two pieces that have been hand stitched together. The pattern is that of large peonies against a field of crossed, stylized bamboo at whose intersection sits a stylized chrysanthemum.

The cloth was dyed in indigo but the decades since it has been dyed have dulled the blue to a grey tone, not so unusual where indigo is concerned, especially in katazome cloth.

In used condition this is a study piece of old katazome and one with a bold pattern that is a joy to behold.