A Fully Lined and Mended Egasuri Cotton Bag: Bats, Fans, Plum Blossoms

early twentieth century
20" x 12", 51 cm x 30.5 cm

This is a fully lined indigo dyed cotton bag whose exterior is hand stitched of an interesting, pictorial kasuri cloth.

The images are traditional: arrow feathers, clouds, bats, folding fans and plum blossoms are all woven into the fabric in a good-sized repeat.

The cloth used to make the bag was no doubt re-purposed from something else because there is a good amount of subtle patching to the surface, some of which can be seen on the accompanying detail photos.

When turned inside-out you can see the lining which is also made of recycled cotton cloth. A tie is attached to the side of the bag as it was mean to be cinched by it when the bag was full.

A really delightful old bag, the intended purpose of this one is not known--but it is a delightful object with wonderful, old kasuri cloth that is loaded  with auspicious Japanese symbols.