A Length of Zanshi Ori: Indigo Dyed Cotton Woven from Leftover Yarn

early twentieth century 67 1/2" x 13", 171.5 cm x 33 cm Zanshi ori is cloth that is woven from threads either leftover from home production of yarn making, or from broken threads that were purchased from local commercial weavers. Usually the weft is fed with these random threads while generally the warp is regulated producing an irregular horizontal 'striping'; if home threads are used, knotted slubs can often be seen. This is an interesting length of zanshi ori because it seems the leftover yarns appear as a block, positioned near the top of the length. Otherwise the length is of a subtle tonal quality, dark in color and quiet in design. The interruption provided by this block of leftover yarns is visually interesting and, in many ways, it "makes" the piece. A wonderful thing to look at.