A Sakiori Kotatsugake: Rag Woven Heath Blanket

mid twentieth century
55 1/2" x 51", 141 cm x 129.5 cm

This hand woven, 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--and it was acquired with another one, almost identical, which means that the weaver used the same bolt to fashion two of these.

As can easily be seen the color and pattern is simple and attractive. Pale blue and red predominate in the color scheme as weft yarn and 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 and there is one small area of loss which is pictured on the accompanying detail photos.

Recommended.