Rice-Grain Weave — Jiangnan Indigo Cotton
A lightweight Jiangnan cotton in indigo blue and natural white, with fine rice-grain-like marks woven through a soft, breathable ground.
Sold in 50 cm lengths
Width: approx. 58 cm · Recorded total: approx. 340 cm
- Quantity 1
- Approx. 50 × 58 cm
- Quantity 2
- Approx. 100 × 58 cm, as one continuous piece
Recorded total length: approximately 340 cm. No full-piece bonus was stated for this cloth. The terms above reproduce the supplied listing; check Etsy for current stock, quantities and price.
- Object ID
- TA-JN-0006
- Origin
- Jiangnan
- Period
- c. 1940s–1950s
- Dating confidence
- estimated
- Material
- Handspun cotton
- Dimensions
- Approx. 340 × 58 cm recorded total; sold in 50 cm units
- Technique
- Handwoven homespun · Plain weave
- Pattern
- Rice-grain speckles
- Colours
- Indigo blue · Natural white
Object condition
Good vintage condition overall, with age-related and handwoven character. Small marks, uneven yarns, slubs, cotton-seed flecks, loose fibres, slight fading, old fold lines and edge wear may be present. Prior washing status was not specified in the supplied listing.
Identification notes
The supplied listing identifies this cloth as handwoven plain weave made with handspun blue and natural cotton yarns. The fine rice-grain appearance is woven into the surface rather than printed.
The listing names this texture xiaohua sha, or “small rice-grain weave”. The name is retained as a description of the small repeated marks; no additional historical or auspicious meaning has been assigned.
The cotton is lightweight, soft and breathable, with natural yarn irregularity. Its approximately 58 cm width and light handle suit shirts, summer tops, linings, lightweight jackets, patchwork, quilting and textile craft.
The supplied origin is Jiangnan, China, with an estimated date of the 1940s–1950s. A specific village, maker and production year were not supplied.
Care from the supplied listing: for projects that will be washed, test a small corner first. Hand wash gently in cold water as needed, separately; avoid bleach, prolonged soaking and tumble drying, and air dry in shade.
The source describes indigo-dyed cotton yarn. This record retains that description but does not represent laboratory testing of the dye.
Fine woven marks, a lighter cloth
The photograph lets visitors compare very small pale marks with the broader blue surface. The listing’s lightweight handle contrasts with the substantial dark patterned cloth added alongside it.
The source identifies plain weaving, while its grain-like appearance supplies a descriptive pattern name. These are recorded separately, keeping construction distinct from visual interpretation.
