A Large Sashiko Stitched Furoshiki: Two Discreet Areas of Stitching

ca. early twentieth century
52" x 48", 132 cm x 122 cm 

A furoshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth which was often used to bundle up household goods for storage or in order to transport them from place to place.

This handsome one shown here is a good example of a sashiko stitched, indigo dyed cotton furoshiki: sashiko stitching is often found on the corners of a furoshiki as the stitching strengthen these areas of the cloth.

This particular furoshiki is composed of four panels of indigo dyed cotton that are hand stitched together.  On the proper, left-hand, upper corner there is a chain stitched kanji which is contained within a hexagon shape, the hexagon being a reference to a tortoise shell which is a sign of long life.

Directly opposite on the bottom, right-hand side is a a lovely square of beautifully done sashiko stitching, the design being based on a grid and embellished with radiating and intersecting lines.

The indigo dyed cotton of this furoshiki shows scuffing, nicks and some scrapes, evidence that this was well-used during its lifetime, before it was put to rest.

A very good looking, old Japanese furoshiki with good sashiko stitched details.