A Beautifully Pieced and Layered Shikmono: Soft Color and Geometry

ca. mid twentieth century
69" x 37", 175.25 cm x 94 cm

What a handsome, well-composed and beautifully colored piece-constructed, indigo dyed cotton textile.

This is a shikimono, a layered, sashiko stitched cloth that would be used as a sleeping mat or would have been placed under a futon.  It is composed of two layers of recycled cotton, the back being cotton culled from what seems to be an everyday kimono.  

The proper front is a marvel of accidental art. 

The base cloth is a faded, indigo dyed cotton, large-scale kasuri which is beautifully worn with age.  On top of this is an arrangement of drab colored cotton pieces mixed with dark-toned indigo dyed cotton kasuri cloth.  These pieces as they are placed on top the large-scale kasuri is artful and fascinating to see.

The overall condition of this piece is good, but as it is old and has been used, small condition issues are present, but they do not detract from the beauty of this marvelous shikimono.

Very recommended.