This exquisite tea ceremony cotton cloth from Japan dates to the early 20th century. Measuring 35 inches by 38 inches (88.9 cm x 96.5 cm), the textile is in very good condition. The cloth is a fine example of sarasa, a term used in Japan to describe printed cotton produced through a specialized woodblock mordant stamping process.

The design features a sophisticated multi-bordered composition reflecting its historical origins in Indian trade textiles. The central rectangular field is filled with rhythmic horizontal bands of scrolling vines and floral blossoms in earthy madder and ochre tones. Surrounding this core is a wide dark indigo-toned border adorned with a series of large, tear-drop-shaped botanical motifs, each intricately detailed with internal geometric patterns. The outermost edge is finished with a delicate scalloped border featuring architectural or stylized floral repeats. While sarasa was initially imported from India centuries ago, this piece represents the high-quality versions crafted in Japanese workshops over the last two hundred years.

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