A Patched and Well-Worn Sashiko Stitched Furoshiki: Black Cotton

early to mid twentieth century
58" x 62", 147.5 cm x 157.5 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 of (possibly) machine loomed cotton, is dyed a black (or dark, neutral) tone and hand stitched.

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

The proper right, top and left, bottom corners show the stylized chrysanthemum motif. The proper bottom, right and top left corners show a diamond pattern. The right, top corner shows a loss while the lower, left corner still retains the "tail" of white cotton threads.

The center part of the furoshiki is also distended from use and the cloth shows about sixteen mending patches, each of the of black cotton.

This is a very nicely stitched and quite handsome patched sashiko furoshiki in a slightly unusual color.