A Densely Sashiko Stitched Kotatsugake: Large, Pieced Hearth Cover

mid twentieth century
63 1/2" x 61", 161 cm x 155 cm

This is a large stitched and backed kotatsugake which is a cloth to be draped over a traditional heated table or kotatsu. A heavy cloth such as this traps the heat so a family who gathers near the hearth and places their legs under the cloth stays warm. 

To think that a kotatsu was still being used when this was made by hand in a family's home in roughly the mid twentieth century points to Japan's lingering traditions--nowadays kotatsu are usually in the form of an electric blanket.

This one is hand stitched and is made of recycled, commercially produced cottons. The lead photos here show a pieced field of deep-toned and figured cloth with a prominent, centrally-placed cream colored square.

The back shows a comprehensive field of orange-toned plaid cotton with a charming repair in the center of it, shown also in a detail photo.

The entire piece is edged and finished and the entire surface is stitched with a dense field of horizontal rows of white sashiko about 1/2" or 1.5 cm apart.

In seemingly unused condition this is a lovely, traditional kotatsugake from the mid-twentieth century with an unusual color palette.

Recommended.