A Rare and Unusual Katazome Pattern: Length Showing Geese and Pine

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
22 1/12" x 13", 57 cm x 33 cm

The katazome dyed pattern shown here, that of large-scale geese and pine trees is exceedingly rare, especially in the bold and detailed way it is rendered here.

It does not appear there is any great symbolic meaning to the image of the goose other than it being used for centuries as a stylized, heraldic design. Here we see geese flying with great confidence and certainty amid what appears to be a gnarled and beautiful pine tree of great age and character.

The indigo dye is soft in tone and is slightly faded. The pattern was stenciled on both sides of the cloth which was intended to create a crisp image but in this case the back and front registration of the stencils is slightly off so the edges of the design are a bit soft and blurred.

An exceedingly good and rare length of katazome cotton bearing a highly unusual and very rare depiction of geese and pine.

Recommended.