A Length of Patched Cotton: Narrow Woven Stripes

ca. late nineteenth century
57" x 13", 144.5 cm x 33 cm

This is an elegant, understated and very beautifuly hand woven cotton textile from old Japan--and one that shows the kind of somber color palette that was worn by most people prior to 1868; before that time, the clothing, colors and fabrics worn by various strata of society was legislated and controlled by the government.

The length of cloth is hand stitched from two pieces; the pattern is a lovely, striped cotton dyed in indigo.

Along the length, in a high center position, there is one patch of cotton which adds a bit of contrast to the whole.

Just lovely.