An Indigo Dyed Cotton Length: Resist Dyed Kanji and Patched Back

early twentieth century
60" x 13 1/4", 152.5 cm x 33.5 cm

This is a handsome length of tsutsugaki dyed cotton whose colors are indigo and undyed, white cotton.

The length is a partial length that bears 6 vertical rows of kanji or Chinese characters each of which is rendered in such a way as to mimic strong, calligraphic brush strokes.

The indigo color is mottled and rich and it could be the result of first dyeing the cotton in black and then overdyeing in indigo which is a method used in early 20th century Japan.

The cotton is of good weight and the indigo areas are quite worn and faded. There is a good deal of scuffing to the indigo and there are two patches to the back of the length; this is illustrated in the accompanying detail photo.

In roughed-up condition this is a lovely old, indigo dyed boro cloth.