A Cotton Zokin: Dustrag with Diamond Design

mid twentieth century
7 1/2" x 12 1/2", 19 cm x 31.75

A zokin is a traditional Japanese dustrag which is hand stitched using repurporsed cloth.  Zokin were often made in groups, so very often you will find batches of similar types coming from one home.

This  zokin is stitched from several layers of dark bluish colored cotton which seems to have been recycled from the lining of an old cotton kimono. 

The sashiko stitching is done in white thread and it is stitched in a sort of diamond motif.

This is a very handsome old, traditional dust rag with the bonus of showing a traditional sashiko stitching technique which is done is a rustic and beautiful manner.