A Very Large Katazome Dyed Furoshiki: Traditional Wrapping Cloth

early twentieth century
71" x 66", 180.5 cm x 167.5 cm

This is a very large, katazome dyed cotton furoshiki, a furoshiki is a traditional square-shaped cloth that is used for the storage, hauling and wrapping of goods.

This particular one shows a dense pattern of karakusa or arabesque which is a traditional Japanese pattern that is often seen on katazome or stencil resisted designs. In relation to the large area of the furoshiki the pattern is small.

On the bottom, left hand corner are two resist dyed kanji or Chinese characters while on the upper, right corner is a family crest, also resist dyed.

There are small holes and some nicks and snags on this piece and some of them are shown here on the detail photos. As well, there is a notch of loss to the left hand edge of this large wrapping cloth. The holes and loss to this piece are not immediately noticeable and they do not detract from the visual enjoyment of it--nor do they detract from the usefulness of it. It can still be put to work.

This is a wonderful, lush and large furoshiki with a great deal of beautiful visual information.

Recommended.