Ko-bukusa Cloth (Tea-things) (Brocade-with-Colored-Shell-Pattern)

The variation of numerous forms and shades of a shell is a mystery of creation. However, from the earliest times a "shell" pattern can rarely be seen in textile design, and this is presumably because shells are so varied and so subtle that they cannot be easily shaped into a design. Nevertheless, shell ornaments and shell-like froms were frequently used in the decorative motive of the Rococo style in France in the 18th century. That style is called "genre rocaille" and is thought to be one of the most refined shell ornaments. We adopted for the brocade here its graceful shapes into a design. Most refreshing is a contrast of the round shapes of the shells represented by lines in light and dark color and the angular saw edges of the shells.