Tag Archives: Edo

Tsutsugaki Furoshiki with Noshi Design

January 2, 2014Cotton, TextilesAntique, Boro, Cotton, Edo, furoshiki, Hand Spun, Hand Woven, Indigo, Japan, Japanese, meiji, momen, noshi, persimmon, sumi, tsutsugakiNathan S

This Meiji era furoshiki depicts a bundle of noshi. These were strips of dried abalone given as gifts in old Japan. Over time the noshi developed into an auspicious design that can be found on many Edo and Meiji era items that were originally meant as gifts. the symbol came to represent a wish for good fortune and prosperity.

This furoshiki employs indigo, persimmon, and sumi ink dyes. The design was created by using rice paste in a resist technique known as tsutsugaki. I love the way the imperfections in the noshi are represented, I also love the deep indigo background color.

This furoshiki has several big patches which makes me think that it was extra special. I know someone treasured it due to all the work they put into mending it.

Happy New Year.

Edo period katazome patches and sashiko

December 24, 2013Boro, Cotton, TextilesAntique, Boro, Cotton, Edo, flower, Hand Spun, Hand Woven, Indigo, Japan, Japanese, Katazome, meiji, momen, patches, sashiko, tsutsugakiNathan S

At first glance these patches seem ordinary. The first is a patch of small sashiko stitches and the second a normal enough blue patch with haphazard stitching holding the two pieces of fabric together. When you turn the piece over it reveals two beautiful patches made from beautiful Edo period katazome.

This patch is decorated with an amazing fern design often seen in late Edo and early Meiji tsutsugaki and katazome fabrics.

The next patch has a beautiful double design of black leaves and branches on an indigo ground, as well as, resist dyed cherry or plum trees with stylized blossoms. I can’t even begin to understand the process of dying something like this.

I think these patches elevate this beautiful Edo period katazome, and I am in complete reverence of the masterful hands that created these fabrics so many years ago.

Sashiko

October 6, 2013Boro, Cotton, TextilesAntique, Boro, Cotton, decorative patterns, Edo, furoshiki, Hand Spun, Hand Woven, Indigo, Japan, Japanese, meiji, sashiko, traditional Japanese embroideryNathan S

Sashiko is a form of traditional Japanese embroidery originally used to reinforce garments and as a means of repair. In the northern regions of Japan garments were made stronger and warmer by layering cloth and stitching the layers together with long running stitches. This embroidery served a utilitarian purpose but also became a way to add decorative patterns and interest to garments and carrying cloths.

Three of these sashiko furoshiki were created from hand spun and handwoven cotton which has been dyed with natural indigo. the forth furoshiki with the star pattern is made from hand dyed commercially produced cotton.

Katazome obi

September 15, 2013Cotton, Fiber, TextilesAntique, Cotton, Edo, green, Hand Spun, Hand Woven, Indigo, Japan, Japanese, katagami, Katazome, meiji, momen, over dyedNathan S

I recently found this late Edo or early Meiji period obi made from hand spun cotton. The obi has been dyed using indigo over dyed with a yellow to create a green color. The pattern was created using a katagami or “stencil” to deposit rice paste onto the fabric before dying. The obi is made from two lengths of fabric sewn together in the middle. I think it was made this way because the person who made it was taking advantage of leftover fabric.

I love this geometric repeat pattern. I think it could really work as a modern textile. I would like to try to reproduce this fabric in the future. The colors that come out in this last photo show off the colors possible when over dying indigo.

Late Edo period katazome

September 5, 2013Cotton, TextilesAntique, Boro, Cotton, Edo, Hand Spun, Indigo, Japan, Japanese, Katazome, meiji, momen, spin, weavingNathan S

This is a completely hand made cotton textile. I think it dates to the late Edo or early Meiji period. The fabric is soft and worn and has probably seen many different uses in its long life. The pattern is odd and I haven’t seen many others like it. I love the way the indigo has worn to produce an almost ikat pattern under the applied katazome decorations.