A Boro Zokin: Wide Stripes

ca. early to mid twentieth century
13 1/2" x 16", 34 cm x 40.5 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 zokin is really lovely for its rather large size and its bold orange-ish and black striping--as well, the piece construction of the zokin which fractures the flow of the stripes is a nice visual play.  Notice, too, the grid pattern of sashiko stitching, very lovely.