Antique Japanese Wa-Sarasa Cotton Panel with Shippō Floral Pattern

Size: Approximately 13.5 by 43.5 inches (34.3 by 110.5 cm)
Japan · Circa 1900, Meiji period · Cotton

Interlocking circles repeat along this Japanese wa-sarasa panel, framing four-lobed flowers, small rosettes, and fine radiating lines. Cream and muted rust stand out against the deep blue cotton.

The circle pattern is shippō. This panel was dyed using layered katagami stencils, part of the Japanese tradition of adapting imported patterned cotton into multicolor sarasa.

On the reverse, the full repeat is still visible, with softer color against the blue.

Details

• Technique: Multicolor stencil dyeing with katagami
• Design: Shippō interlocking circles with floral rosettes and four-lobed motifs

Condition

It’s in excellent antique condition, with no pinholes or stains. The color has softened with age, and the cotton has light surface wear, some variation in tone, and unfinished edges.