A Double Sided Zokin: Interesting Stitching and Wa Sarasa Backing

early to mid twentieth century
14" x 13 1/2", 35.5 cm x 34.25 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 shows an unusually sashiko stitched zokin, a few layers thick which is stitched together from indigo dyed cotton and which is backed by a really lovely wa sarasa, or a Japanese stencil dyed pattern inspired by Indian trade cloth.  Pay attention to the irregular black and white stitching on the zokin.

Just wonderful.