A Traditional Zokin: Large Patch and Sashiko Stitching

mid twentieth century
12 1/4" x 12 1/2", 31 cm x 32 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 attractive boro zokin is a few layers thick and is sashiko stitched all-over: the white, radiating stitches over the patched, striped and checked cotton is beautiful--and have a look at the subtle piecing of the back of the zokin.

A wonderful boro zokin.