A Very Handsome Cotton Furoshiki: Home Spun Cotton and Patches

ca. late nineteenth century
38" x 38", 96.5 cm x 96.5 cm

This very handsome and subtle indigo dyed cotton furoshiki is more complex than meets the eye.  Its color is a warm, rich blue and its cotton yarns are hand spun--of course the cloth is hand woven.

The furoshiki, or a traditional wrapping/carrying cloth, is hand stitched from five separate pieces of cotton which were repurposed, presumably from a kimono.  On to this surface are hand stitched three patches and in the proper, right hand corner there is a small, white cotton tag with faded handwritten kanji, or Chinese characters, most likely identifying the family who owns the furoshiki, or the business with which the furoshiki is associated.  There is a spray of pin prick sized holes

This is a really beautiful and old furoshiki, one of beautiful subtlety and warmth, a lovely messenger from old Japan.