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Rare Antique Japanese Indigo Cotton 4-Panel Noren Curtain -- Tsutsugaki & Katazome
Up for sale is a spectacular, authentic piece of traditional Japanese mingei (folk art) and architectural textile history. This genuine 4-panel Noren doorway curtain is meticulously crafted from heavy, hand-loomed cotton canvas died in an organic natural indigo vat.
Main panels: Features magnificent, freehand Tsutsugaki decoration (rice-paste resist) illustrating a classic, continuous landscape of crashing waves (nami) and flying plovers (chidori). This traditional theme represents navigating \"rough waters\" safely, symbolizing resilience and commercial prosperity. The upper portion showcases a large, bold circular merchant or family crest (kamon) with terracotta-red mineral pigment accents.
Side/Header extension panel: Spliced onto the main body is a beautiful extension panel featuring a subtle, geometric Katazome stencil-dyed Shippo (Seven Treasures) interlocking circle motif.
Structural Layout: Features a traditional 4-panel split design with full-length vertical slits to let people walk through the hanging curtain layers. The very top edge features a continuous, straight horizontal sleeve/casing designed specifically to accommodate a bamboo or wooden mounting curtain rod.
Dimensions:Total Flat Width: 72 inches, the length of the horizontal curtain rod casingTotal Vertical Length: 31.5 inches (the part with the birds and crest); 17 inches (the dark indigo rectangle section)
Condition note: This item is in genuine antique condition with magnificent textile character. The heavy cotton weave is still strong and stable except for 2 areas of small holes. It displays exceptional multi-tonal indigo fading. As a true utilitarian Boro piece, it features a few historic flaws from decades of storefront use: A structural tear along the top pole sleeve, and a small frayed hole along the edge of the katazome extension.
Perfect for display as a dramatic wall-mounted tapestry, architectural room divider, or premium material for boro and sashiko art restoration projects. I believe it also could be converted into a unique wrap skirt (see photos).
It has not be cleaned due to the fragility of the indigo dyes. Stored carefully in a smoke-free environment.
