A Small, Lightweight Cotton Sakabukuro: Patched

early to mid twentieth century
19 3/4" x 9", 50 cm x 23 cm

Sakabukuro, or sake straining bags, are usually made of cotton which has been saturated with green persimmon tannin, or kaki shibu, which gives the distinctive brown color.  This utilitarian textile was used in sake making.

Crude sake, or sake lees, was placed in this bag and pressure was applied to squeeze out and filter the liquid. Repeated use required repeated mending. and we see many white cotton repair patches applied to this bag in order to keep it in working condition..

This wonderful hand stitched bag is unusual for its small size and its lightweight cotton. Often sakabukuro are considerably larger and are of a much heavier weight cotton than this one. Curious, but lovely.

A charming thing to own and on its own merits it is a beautifully artful and utilitarian textile.