A Sakiori Kotatsugake: Pieced Ragweave Brazier Cover
55" x 51", 139 cm x 129.5 cm
This hand woven, fairly stiff, blanket-weight textile is woven from cotton yarns torn into narrow strips from rags. In Japan rag weaving is referred to as sakiori.
This is a kotatsugake which is a cloth to be draped over a heated table or kotatsu. A draped, heavy cloth such as this traps the heat so a family who gathers near the hearth and places their legs under the cloth stays warm.
This was undoubtedly was woven by a member of the family who used it. It was acquired with another one shown here a few weeks ago, a piece from the same bolt of rag woven cotton used to make the previously offered kotatsugake is stitched onto the bottom section, just right of center. It is nice knowing these two pieces were hand made in the same household.
As can easily be seen the color and pattern is simple and attractive. Pale blue and red predominate in the color scheme and the colored weft areas are randomly placed. Blue, white and red cotton yarns are used as warp.
This can be used as a throw, a blanket or an area rug. It is unbacked. There are a few areas of loss to the rag weft but they are impossible to see or photograph unless this piece is held directly against the light.
Recommended.
