Ko-bukusa Cloth (Tea-things) (oukoukishimon)

In ancient India textile weaving was practiced for many centuries and made great progress in quality. Of the fabrics favoured by the royalty and nobility in those days there still remain a large number of gorgeous saris (or sarees, long lengths of fabric to be wrapped around the body, worn as main garments mostly by Hindu women) made of colourful brocades partly woven with gold and silver threads. Adapted from the design of a sari, the repeated checkered pattern here depicts a knight on horseback in each section but in alternate directions and different colour combinations. This luxurious brocade has been executed with wart-patterned weaving technique and in a refined colour scheme.