Flores Ikat Weaving. New. Superb quality

Ikat weaving requires great lengths of the weaver's time, often to the extent of growing, harvesting, fermenting and redyeing many times the indigo plant used to make the darkest tones of the tube sarong. Preparing the dyes and sometimes the cotton threads all happens before the long challenge of tieing the warp and weft threads in tiny bundles to match each other in the weaving process.

This cotton sarong is sewn lengthwise to make a tube into which the wearer steps and can bring it up high over the head if it's raining. Natural dyes have been used. Look carefully at the aesthetic beauty of the narrow horizontal stripes at both ends and the different centre panel. The accuracy of the edges of the motifs show the mastered expertise of the weaver. The clear contrasts, bright warmth and all the design decisions make this a champion longlasting piece. It is from the Ende region on the south coast of Flores, one of the live volcanic islands of Indonesia. Read about Flores Ikats in the general notes of of the Ikat Collection. 

This tube with a machined seam (see image) can be unpicked to change the dimensions from 68 x 165cms to 136 x 168cms for use as bed cover, wall hanging, sofa blanket or table cloth. Wash gently by hand. If it is to become a wall hanging, hand stitch a narrow pocket on the back to take a rod. This is a valuable contemporary artwork probably woven just after the year 2000.