A Boro Zokin: Greys and an Edo Komon Patch

ca. mid twentieth century
12" x 9 3/4", 30 cm x 24.75 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 zokin is made from what appears to be a commercially loomed grey cotton, with a good deal of sashiko stitching, and a wonderful patch of Edo komon cotton.

Really lovely.