Touched by Indigo - Royal Ontario Museum

1
6c
6d
11
colour thread. In the specimen with
blue-and-white stripes (a) the fine vertical
lines are all of irregular widths. These
randomly executed parallels produce an
interesting, slightly psychedelic visual
effect. The blue-and-white
checkered specimen
(b) is also more interesting
than it appears
to be at first glance.
The lines making up
the grid are designed
to be wide enough so
that at each intersection
where the vertical and
horizontal cross they
create a pattern resembling
a pinwheel. In one
of the two specimens where the red colour has been
added, the set of red dotted lines flanking each of the
wider stripes imparts a sense of daintiness to the otherwise
rather uninspiring pattern (c). The checkered
pattern of the other (d) has a more complicated look.
It gives the impression of a red-accented grid dividing a
background of fine horizontal lines into squares. Added
to this is another network of intermittent white lines
which crisscross at the centres of the squares, creating yet
another visual dimension that enhances the attractiveness
of the overall design.
Multicoloured and patterned cotton fabrics are mainly used for
clothing and accessories. They are more expensive than plain cotton
fabric because yarns dyed in different colours are used, designs need
to be planned, and the intricate weaving takes much more time.
THIS WORK APRON typifies the kind many peasant women
in the southern part of Zhejiang province wear no matter what kind
of work they may be doing. It was made during the 1920s as part of
a trousseau. Because a great amount of time, thought, and energy
has been devoted to its making, the creator took great pride in it
and never used it. It was passed down to a daughter as an
heirloom.
The apron is rectangular in shape. The skirt is
made of a length of blue-and-white handwoven
cotton with a checkered pattern against a background
of interlinking and overlapping squares.
Its bottom edge is finished with braided yarns
that serve as fringes. The beautiful fabric is
attached to a waistband made of indigo-dyed
cotton. Also attached to the waistband is a large
flap made of the same plain material. It hangs freely
in front of the apron and protects it from dirt.
Another unusual feature is the woven patterned
ties used for securing the apron around the waist.
They are exceptionally wide and finished off with
6. FOUR LENGTHS OF CLOTH, Cotton, 2003, Nantong, Jiangsu province, Gift of
Dr. Ka Bo Tsang in memory of Mrs. Tsang Ng Sheung, 2004.68.2, 3, 4, 5, W. 45.8 cm,
(a. blue and white stripes), 43.6 cm (b. blue and white checkers), 44.3 cm (c. blue, white,
and red stripes), 47 cm (d. blue, white, and red checkers)
7. APRON, Cotton, 1920s, Huangtandong village, Yueqing county, Zhejiang province,
Gilt of Ms. Tammy H.W. Yue, 2004.69.2, L 74cmxW. 48 cm
18