A Length of Patched Shinafu

early to mid twentieth century
58" x 13 1/4", 147.5 cm x 33.5 cm

This is a length of patched and mended shinafu, traditional Japanese bast fiber-based cloth that is woven from the inner bark of the linden tree.

Shinafu usually shows a copperish or reddish tone, its yarns are wiry and scratchy and often shinafu was used for utilitarian textiles because of the strength and durability of its fibers.

This length was taken from a tsunobukuro which is a type of bias-constructed bag that was used for storing and hauling of rice, grains and other goods. 

Shinafu is a likely cloth to use in the construction of a tsunobukuro because it is  tough and it can be used very hard. Ingrained, diagonally-oriented creases can still be detected on this length of linden fiber cloth.

The length shows three cotton patches and a good deal of hand writing.  

The overall condition of this collectible cloth is good.

This is a marvelous opportunity to own a handsome piece of collectible shinafuwhich has been patched and mended.

Recommended.