A Length of Kumanozome Cotton: Stenciled Moire

This is a very good fragment of a type of stenciled cotton known as Kumanozome.

Kumanozome refers to a place of origin, an area near present-day Okayama Prefecture: Kumano is well-known for producing this type of optically entrancing cloth.  

Kumanozome is immediately recognizable for its decidedly "Op Art" moire effect of undulating, crossing lines. Sometimes contrasting colors and values were used to heighten this effect. 

In this case, the moire effect is created by stencils: both indigo and an iron oxide derived dye were used to color the cloth.

As can be seen on the accompanying detail photos there are some gaps in the original dyeing of the piece, most noticeable in the last of the detail photos here. Otherwise this is in very good, used condition.

Recommended.