noun
kasuri; splash pattern; dye pattern
A traditional Japanese textile pattern created by resist-dyeing threads before weaving, producing a blurred, splash-like effect. Often seen on kimono and other fabrics.
祖母の着物には美しい絣模様が入っている。
My grandmother's kimono has a beautiful kasuri pattern.
この帯は絣で織られています。
This obi is woven in the kasuri style.
Shibori is a tie-dye technique that creates patterns by binding fabric before dyeing, while kasuri is a resist-dyeing method applied to threads before weaving.
Sarasa refers to printed or painted cotton textiles, often with colorful floral designs, whereas kasuri is a woven pattern with a characteristic blurred edge.
The word かすり is of Japanese origin, referring to the blurred, 'splashed' appearance of the pattern. The kanji 絣 is a kokuji (Japanese-made character) combining 糸 (thread) and 并 (to combine), reflecting the weaving process. The alternative kanji 飛白 literally means 'flying white' and describes the speckled effect.