A Sekka Shibori Indigo Dyed Cotton Diaper: Large Repeat

mid twentieth century
29" x 11 3/4", 73.5 cm x 30 cm

This lightweight cotton cloth is a traditional, Japanese diaper and is dyed in the itajime shibori or clamp dyed method.  This particular diaper, is stitched together to form a "tube" and the above noted dimensions reflect the size of the piece as shown.  Were the tube undone, the length would be twice what is noted.  

To create the shibori pattern, the cotton would have been folded in a series of triangular folds, then clamped, and then the edges would have been dyed.  The result is this field of blue on white, kaleidoscopic, six pointed "flowers" which are configured more or less along the lines of a hexagon, the hexagon being a stand-in for the traditional kikko or tortoise shell pattern, which is meant to convey wishes for a long life.

The shibori dyed cotton face is quite clear and shows little wear. In good, used condition.  The cloth is stitched closed by a machine.

Really lovely.