ca. early twentieth century
7" x 14 1/2", 18 cm x 37 cm

This drawstring bag is pieced from remarkable, hand loomed, indigo dyed kasuri or ikat cloth; it seems that the kasuri is San-in, an ikat produced in Japan in and near Shimane.

Rarely are pieced komebukuro, or rice bags, made of such gorgeous cloth, and this one is in great condition.  Pieced bags of this sort were common in old Japan.  One of their functions was to attend temple celebrations: rice would be brought to the temple in this festive bag, the rice used as an offering and the pieced bags were thought to be fancy or fanciful.

The variety of fragments chosen for this bag is gorgeous, and this is for the serious collector who appreciates the beauty of the cloth which comprises this lovely bag.

Very recommended.