A Very Large, Tattered, Hand Stitched Mat: Pieced Sakabukuro

mid twentieth century
102 1/2" x 43 1/4", 260 cm x 110

This is an unusual--and quite large--textile. 

The title of the piece here refers to it as a sakabukuro mat, simply because it is hand stitched from several splayed traditional sake straining bags, or sakabukuro, and therefore it is mended in a very similar way.

This large, hastily stitched and constructed cotton canvas mat was more than likely made to be some kind of floor mat that people would sit on to work; mats of this type can be found from time to time.

This one in particular is roughly put together with long, quick stitches, with some holes and with ragged, uneven, unfinished edges.

When it is hanging on a wall it does not hang flat against the wall nor does it hang square: the surface ripples and curls onto itself a bit and will need to be tamed against the wall if you plan to hang it. However when laid on the floor or on a surface it lays fairly flat. 

This is a funky old cotton boro textile.  It has massive character from its color, wear and mending, and it shows great surface patina and coloration.

Curious and rustic, this is something fun to add to your collection.