A Sample of Finely Done Shibori: Stylized Arrow Feather Pattern

mid twentieth century
25" x 12 1/4", 63.5 cm x 31 cm

This is a fragment of very finely made indigo dyed cotton shibori that was used as a dyer's sample. The cloth comes from Arimatsu which can be considered the shibori capital of Japan.

The work is detailed and is beautifully executed. The design shows a variant on the traditional design called yabane or arrow feather: the chevron-like design of the arrow feather is transformed into an ingenious repeat pattern.

A wonderful example of very fine shibori which is done in a curious variation of the yabane motif.