An Opened Sakabukuro: Flat, Square Sake Filter

early to mid twentieth century
28" x 23", 71 cm x 58.5 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 the wonderfully odd stitches applied for this purpose.  

This is a sakabukuro which has been cut open to form a square-shaped textile: the mending stitches are still quite obvious as are some fading and stains to the base cloth. Note as well a few holes to the piece--but the overall effect is lovely and rustic.