A Small Katazome Cotton Zokin: Faux Shibori

mid twentieth century
10 1/2" x 6 1/2", 26.5 cm x 16.5 cm

A zokin is a traditional Japanese dust cloth or cleaning rag; it is usually made from old pieces of cloth and it is usually layered and stitched for durability.   

Along with diapers, zokin are among the traditional household textiles that represent the end of the line where the repurposing or recycling of cloth is concerned.

This particular layered, cotton zokin is stitched from pieces of katazome or stencil resist dyed cotton, the top piece being beautifully faded, while the piece under it is still dark blue and unfaded.

Wonderful.