A Wa Sarasa Cotton Zabuton Cover: Old Chintz Pillow Sham

early to mid twentieth century
23 1/2" x 18 1/2", 59.5 cm x 47 cm

Zabuton are traditional Japanese cushions which are used when sitting on the floor. Zabuton are a staple of Japanese life and, since they are often seen within the scheme of a living space, there usually is a decorative element to them, as there is on this one.

This is an empty zabuton cover; it is not filled. It is machine stitched of what is called Wa sarasa which is a Japanese take on Indian trade cloth. The cotton seems to have been lightly polished at one point in its life: its surface is smooth and has a bit of a sheen.

The small roundels which make up the pattern on this cotton cloth are arranged in a grid pattern. Each shows a Japanese traditional motif rendered in a highly stylized, pared-down way. 

You will note there is one small hole to the front of the zabuton cover, not surprising given its age and wear.

A lovely thing.