A Sashiko Stitched Furoshiki: Hand Loomed Kasuri Cloth

ca. early twentieth century
40 1/2" x 40", 103 cm x 101.5 cm

This is a really good-looking, hand stitched furoshiki in very good condition.

A furoshiki is a square-shaped cloth which was traditionally used for carrying and storing items in old Japan.  This particular furoshiki is stitched from three panels of hand loomed, striped, kasuri cotton cloth, its colors being muted tones of grey, a black-blue, and ochres.  

The four corners of this beautifully realized furoshiki are sashiko stitched by hand, the white stitches being very short and very precise, creating the effect of a delicate tracery over the bold, striped and kasuri base cloth.  You will note the center of the furoshiki is slightly distended and distorted from years of use; this distortion of the cloth is set-in and cannot be altered.

Important to note that each of the four corners still bears its little braided "tail" of white cotton threads.  This is a feature to point out as often this hand made detail is lost over time.

A simply gorgeous old textile.