An Exquisitely Sashiko Stitched Cotton Indigo Bag: White on Indigo

ca. late nineteenth, early twentieth century
23" x 10", 58.5 cm x 25.5 cm

Bags of this sort are very collectible and this particular bag--nicely sized--is a superb example.  This piece is made of very dark indigo dyed cotton with gorgeously executed sashiko stitching in contrasting white cotton thread.

The large, chevron like border design on front and back is the matsukawabishi, or pine bark pattern; contained within this border are two repeat patterns, one on front and one on back.  The zig-zag pattern is sayagata, a Buddhist design borrowed from China, and the hexagonal pattern is kikko, or tortoiseshell.  Both designs, of course, are auspicious.  The bottom of the back is beautifully decorated with a thread counted flame stitch pattern; the corners of the bottom of the bag are similarly decorated.

Wonderful, collectible, and very recommended.