A Three Panel Katazome Dyed Cotton Furoshiki: Machine Stitched

early twentieth century
35" x 36", 89 cm x 91.5 cm

This is a furoshiki or a traditional cloth used for wrapping, hauling or storing of things, and this one is made of grey-toned, katazome dyed, hand spun, hand woven cotton. The furoshiki is machine stitched and finished.

The pattern is lovely: a field of arabesques or karakusa with the occasional fruit, possibly stylized pomegranate. The central panel of the three is darker in tone than the ones flanking it and the condition of the cloth, overall, is good and used, meaning there is light fading. The hand woven cotton cloth is still very sturdy.

On the top, left corner there is patch to the reverse side; the face of the same area is shown in a detail photo here.

This is a super charming old furoshiki with lots of character--a slightly unusual design element of the stylized (perhaps) pomegranate.