A Pair of Kasuri Cottons: Kurume Gasuri

early to mid twentieth century
shorter: 18 1/2" x 13", 47 cm x 33 cm
longer: 22" x 13", 56 cm x 33 cm

This is a good looking pair of short pieces of kasuri cotton, the cloth being rich in image and dyed a clear, indigo dyed blue.

This kasuri length was no doubt woven in Kurume, an area in Kyushu that is known for its distinctive kasuriwoven cotton.  Often Kurume kasuri is graphic in design with a bold contrast between the deep indigo and the white cotton areas, as is the case on this piece.

The design is based on a large grid.  In alternating "windows" we can see repeated a stylized crane and a kind of well cover motif.  

The long piece is composed of two pieces and is stitched down the middle; its two short ends are finished using a sewing machine.  Its one patch is hand stitched to the surface.  The short piece is machine finished on one of its short ends and shows a few holes near this finished hem.

A really lovely pair of kasuri cloth with a sparkling effect on the eye.