A Delicately and Densely Stitched Zokin: Repaired Dust Rag

mid twentieth century
9 3/4" x 13 1/2", 24.5 cm x 34 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 marvelously sashiko stitched zokin which is a few layers thick. The sashiko stitching is done in fine, white cotton thread and is done primarily in evenly spaced, vertically-oriented lines. Note the charming repair to both sides of this beautifully executed zokin.

A visual delight.