three vertical panels of blue striped fabric with orange accent stripes and white hash mark pattern throughout; strip of black Velcro (loop) along top edge on verso

Cloth with vertical stripes and water well (igeta) pattern made in Okayama Prefecture, early 20th century

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Technique: Double ikat dye (tate-yoko gasuri)

Okayama Prefecture, part of the Chūgoku region in the southwest of Japan’s main island Honshu, has long been known for the production of cotton fabric dyed with kasuri (ikat) patterns. This length of fabric features vertical stripe patterns (tate-jima) achieved with double ikat (tate-yoko gasuri). Following pattern books, the dyer plots out the areas to be dyed on both warp and weft threads and, using paper and string, masks the parts to remain undyed. Carefully kept in order and position, the threads are dyed, rinsed, and dried before being stretched on the loom. When woven together, the intended patterns emerge. Here, the crosshatch design that looks like a pound sign (#) is meant to mimic the upper frame of a water well (igeta).

Details
Title
Cloth with vertical stripes and water well (igeta) pattern made in Okayama Prefecture
Role
Maker
Accession Number
2019.20.73
Catalogue Raisonne
Murray et al. 2018, pl. 108
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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three vertical panels of blue striped fabric with orange accent stripes and white hash mark pattern throughout; strip of black Velcro (loop) along top edge on verso