A Sashiko Stitched Furoshiki: Striped Cotton and Good Areas of Decoration

sasearly to mid twentieth century
39" x 38 1/2", 99 cm x 98 cm

A furoshiki is a traditional Japanese cloth that is used for storage, hauling and carrying of goods. Furoshiki are versatile in size and material and they are still used widely in Japan: they are versatile, efficient and are ingrained in the functioning of Japanese society.

This particular one is hand stitched of indigo dyed cotton that has very narrow, almost-imperceptible stripes woven into the cloth.

Its four corners have been generously sashiko stitched with large areas of white-on-blue stitching.

The proper left, top and right, bottom corners show the stylized chrysanthemum motif. The proper bottom, left shows the well cover pattern and diagonally opposite it is a large area of interlocking geometrical shapes. The left, top corner shows a bit of loss to the "tail" of white cotton threads that are present on the bottom, right corner.

The indigo dyed cotton is of average weight and is scuffed from wear and the center shows a bit of a tear as can be seen in the detail photo here. The center part of the furoshiki is also distended from use.

This is a very nicely stitched and quite handsome sashiko furoshiki: a fine example.New@Sri

Very nice.