A Chuusen Dyed Mat: Sashiko Stitched and Double Sided

early twentieth century
24 1/4" x 12 3/4", 61.5 cm x 32.5 cm

This is a hand stitched, finished piece of lightweight cotton that has been dyed in a method called chuusen which relies on stencils and a primitive vacuum machine to transfer a pattern to the cloth.

The pattern is one of stylized feathers with an Art Nouveau feel, the design is blue-on-white and with a large repeat pattern.

The cloth here is sashiko stitched in rows going lengthwise and the sides and two ends are finished in the same stitching. There are faint stains, small, shown on the detail photo that accompanies this text.