A Narrow Length of Beautifully Dark Patterned Katazome: Missing Selvedge

late nineteenth century
29 1/2" x 9 1/2", 75 cm x 24 cm

This is a partial length of indigo dyed cotton katazome cloth: it is narrower than most fragments because it is missing one of its selvedge edges.

Its pattern is beautiful. The way the peonies are rendered make them appear to be seen in darkness; they are almost luminous against the swirling background of arabesque. The stippled background adds some dazzle.

The length is scuffed from wear and one of the four corners is a bit torn. The cotton is hand spun.

The mysterious beauty of this length is a real attraction and certainly worth consideration.