A Patched Length of Kasuri Cotton: Abstracted Arrow Feathers

early to mid twentieth century
58 1/2" x 13", 148.5 cm x 33 cm

This is a beautiful length of patched and mended boro cotton cloth that has been taken from a futon cover.  The base cloth shows a beautifully woven kasuri or ikat pattern of a channel of four stripes intermixed with a line of grids and a column showing chevrons, which, more than likely are abstracted arrow feathers or yabane, a traditional Japanese design motif.

The length is well-worn as can be seen by the surface wear to the piece as well as by the six or so indigo dyed cotton patches which are hand stitched to its surface: the contrast of these blue blocks against the figured ground is lovely.

A wonderfully vibrant hand woven panel, this is a very good looking cloth from old Japan.