Vintage Love: Karuselli fabric designed by Katsuji Wakisaka for Marimekko in 1973

I bought this piece of fabric about ten years ago at a jumble sale. The bright colours leapt out at me & I grabbed it before anyone else did. It was only when I returned home that I saw the name Marimekko along the edge. This fabric dates from 1973 and after a bit more research I found out it is called Karuselli (Carousel) and had been created by Katsuji Wakisaka a Japanese textile designer.

I believe this particular design is quite rare. Sadly I only have a small piece, or rather two small pieces that have been sewn together to make a cushion cover by the previous owner. If you look at the top right image on this website about Katsuji Wakisaka, you can see a larger piece and the full pattern repeat.

It has a bold primary colour print and Wakisaka was famed for his playful designs. It is said that he "introduced new aesthetics which enriched and expanded the Marimekko style" in the 1970s. I love this design and although I wish I had more of it, I'm grateful I managed to grab this small piece of design history when I had the chance.

If you'd like to see more retro goodies, head on over to my "Vintage Finds" board over on Pinterest...

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