A Hand Stitched Lacquer Storage Bag: Edo Komon Cotton

ca. mid to late nineteenth century
13" x 7" x 7", 33 cm x 18 cm x 18 cm

Bags such as this were used in old Japan to store lacquerware, and this one is a lovely example.

It is hand stitched from katazome (stencil resist) dyed cotton, and in this case the indigo pattern is Edo komon a small figured cloth that was popular during the Edo period (1603-1868) when in Japan there were sumptuary laws that banned citizens from wearing flashy clothing with large repeats (one example).

This softly colored, intricately stenciled bag is in good, used condition, and is an attractive, tangible artifact from old Japan.