A Scrappy Patched and Mended Komebukuro: Rice Bag of Pieced Cottons

early twentieth century
10 1/2" x 9" x 9", 26.5 cm x 23 cm x 23 cm

This kind of piece-constructed, drawstring bag is often referred to as a komebukuro. 

Komebukuro are bags that were used to bring token offerings of uncooked rice or beans to a temple or shrine festival, the piecing and patching often being thought-out and planned, for festive effect. 

This rough and rustic drawstring bag is hand sewn from many pieces of re-purposed, old cotton cloth, some of which have been patched and mended as can be seen by having a good look at the photos here. The assortment of the cloth fragments shows a variety of deeply toned striped cottons whose widths vary from piece to piece, thus creating sophisticated visual interest. As can be seen there is some rough mending to the bag, quite beautiful. From the overall appearance of the bag it is clear this is a country piece made from salvaged materials. 

A really handsome boro komebukuro this one has a rustic personality and speaks volumes on recycling in old Japan.

Recommended.