A Length of Nagoya Sarasa: Indo-Japanese Inspired Pattern

early to mid twentieth century
75" x 13 1/2", 190.5 cm x 34.25 cm

This is a beautifully designed length of cotton of a type referred to as Nagoya sarasa, an indication that its design makes reference to Indian trade cloth, even if this reference is oblique.

However the design of the pattern does show a strong influence from Indian cloth; an aspect of the design which is interesting is that there are various Indian-flavored designs which are fit into the geometry of a traditional Chinese/Japanese motif referred to as "cracked ice," an allusion to thawing ice, a first hint of spring.

The color palette is tight and beautiful and the length is unusual in its design but also somehow ingenious in the way that only the Japanese can do.