A Large Rustic Hemp Furoshiki: Handsome Color, Texture and Mending

ca. early twentieth century
60" x 58", 152.5 cm x 147.5 cm

A furoshiki is a traditional Japanese utilitarian cloth that is used for the storage or transportation of things.  Furoshiki come in all sizes and they serve a variety of purposes: small, silk, furoshiki are used for the presentation of gifts, while cotton ones are generally used for storage and work, the larger ones containing bundles of things.

This, big, bad, old hemp furoshiki is definitely one that has seen a lot of work, and it shows its history beautifully.  The rustically woven hemp cloth--thick yarns were used--is wonderfuly heavy, springy and drapey in the hand.  The cloth, as you can see, has been used hard and it is sprayed with a constellation of stains, which, in this case, do not detract from its visual interest in the least.  We think this aspect adds character.

Note as well the mended areas which were done with thick, hemp thread, and are really interesting passages which layer on the rustic charm.  A hole is located on the lower, left-hand corner.

A gorgeous thing: loaded with personality and the flavor or old Japan.