A Massive Piece Constructed Drawstring Bag: Bats in Kasuri

early twentieth century
as shown: 11" x 18" x 18", 28 cm x 46 cm x 46 cm

This is a very large or oversized hand stitched drawstring bag, sometimes referred to as a komebukuro or "rice bag" since similar types were used to carry offerings of dried rice or beans to temple or shrine festivals.

This particular piece was probably not a komebukuro but more than likely it is  a bag intended to have been used every day for practical purposes.

It is composed of about 15 or so individual pieces of hand woven cotton cloth. Most of the cloth is subtle or somber in color and tone, however there are kasuri pieces that add visual interruption to the overall deep tone of the pieces.

Notable is the large swath of indigo dyed kasuri cotton that shows bats, a collectible and well-desired pattern in cloth: in China and Japan bats symbolize auspicious properties of prosperity, happiness and longevity.The bag is fully lined in undyed cotton cloth

The hefty drawstring is slipped through a series of loops of string and the drawstring seems original to the bag.

A beautifully unusual thing for its good size, for its age and for the wonderful combination of cottons used to create this bag--and do not overlook the nice mends which can be seen on the accompanying photographs.

Note one postage stamp-sized area of loss to the bottom of the bag.

Recommended.