A Black Zokin: White Stitches

ca. mid twentieth century
8 1/2" x 11", 21.5 cm x 28 cm

A zokin is a traditional Japanese dust rag which is usually made from several layers of cotton that have been stitched together.  Zokin, along with diapers, can be considered the last stop in the textile repurposing journey.

This zokin is particularly interesting because it is stitched from about four layers, the topmost being a black commercial cotton--with a snippet of the inner layer of cloth, a commercially produced red color faux shibori, peeking out from the side. 

The stitching, using thick threads, is fantastic, rustic, and regular.  Lovely.