A Well-Used Zokin or Dust Rag: Commercial Cotton

mid twentieth century
9 1/4" x 12", 23.5 cm x 30.5 cm

A zokin is a traditional Japanese dust cloth or cleaning rag; it is usually made from old pieces of cloth and it is usually layered and stitched for durability.   

Along with diapers, zokin are among the traditional household textiles that represent the end of the line where the repurposing or recycling of cloth is concerned.

This example of shows a well-used sashiko stitched zokin which is a few layers thick and bears stains of ingrained dirt from its lifetime of work.

The commercially produced cotton used to make this zokin shows a charming design and was more than likely taken from a shirt or a dress. Note the beautiful, rustic sashiko stitches.

A treasure and a delight.