An Indigo Dyed Kasuri Furoshiki: Sashiko Stitched Corners

mid twentieth century
28" x 26", 71 cm x 66 cm

This is a really good-looking, hand stitched, indigo dyed cotton furoshiki in very good condition.

A furoshiki is a square-shaped cloth which was traditionally used for carrying and storing items in old Japan.  This particular furoshiki is hand stitched from two panels of hand loomed, kasuri cotton cloth, its color being a very dark, almost black shade of indigo.

The four corners of this beautifully realized furoshiki are sashiko stitched by hand, the white stitches being very short and very precise, creating the effect of a delicate tracery over the kasuri base cloth.  Two opposing corners show a stylized chrysanthemum stitch, while the other two opposing corners show a folding fan motif.  All four corners show a braided "tail" of leftover sashiko thread, which is a desirable detail on old, sashiko stitched furoshiki.

Please note one, small "imperfection" to the surface of the cloth which is detailed on the accompanying photographs.

A simply gorgeous old textile, one with a great deal of character, and one that speaks eloquently of folk textiles in old Japan.