Anchor and Rope Mat

This small mat has probably been used as a floor cushion - even though it's quite thin.  The fabric has originally been futon cover fabric from a bride's trousseau. The  anchor and rope were sometimes used,  either together or separately, as symbols for marriage.  (I'd like to think the humour was intentional!) These are large katazome designs that  have been stencilled on with a rice paste resist before dyeing in indigo.  The white stitching is probably the original futon cover stitching and hold the fabric together  but don't go through to the other side. The whole mat has been tied together in about 8 places with  dark indigo cotton  - which  is a little hard to see in the photos. The mat measures  approx 109cm  x 115cm.  It is about 1.5cm thick and most likely filled with a cotton wadding. The fabric is in good condition with some wear and one very small hole.  Late  19th - early 20th century. 

Price includes GST and postage within Australia