A Partial Bolt of 19th Century Tsumugi Silk Katazome: Supple Texture

late nineteenth century
22' x 14 1/4", 6.7 m x 36 cm

This is a partial bolt--probably about one-half a full bolt--of stencil dyed raw or tsumugi silk cloth. 

The silk is supple and drapes well and no doubt this length was intended to be used in making a kimono however it seems unused.

The design is lovely; it mimics a woven pattern while showing a kind of interwoven feathery or leafy motif. The cloth is probably not resist dyed--more than likely the pattern was transferred directly onto the cloth, the design guided by stencils in a process called surikomi.

This partial bolt is in very good condition and is still quite usable for any number of craft or fashion projects.

Beautiful.