A Patched Sakabukuro: Traditional Sake Making Filter

early to mid twentieth century
27" x 9 3/4", 68.5 cm x 24.75 cm

Sakabukuro, or sake straining bags, are usually made of cotton which has been saturated with green persimmon tannin, or kaki shibu, which gives the distinctive brown color.  This utilitarian textile was used in sake making.

Crude sake, or sake lees, was placed in this bag and pressure was applied to squeeze out and filter the liquid. Repeated use required repeated mending. and we see many white cotton repair patches applied to this bag in order to keep it in working condition..

This bag is simply mended with one prominent patch on top, with its opposing corner on the bottom repaired with stitching--and it seems the top of the bag was pinched in as another form or repair or mending.

A charming thing to own and on its own merits it is a beautifully artful and utilitarian textile. Please note some faint discoloration to the center of the bag, detailed on the last photo here.