A Good Looking Komebukuro of Good Size: Festival Rice Bag

mid twentieth century
13" x 9" x 9", 33 cm x 23 cm x 23 cm

This kind of piece-constructed, drawstring bag is often referred to as a komebukuro. 

Komebukuro are bags that were used to bring token offerings of uncooked rice or beans to a temple or shrine festival, the piecing and patching often being thought-out and planned, for festive effect. 

This charmingly rustic drawstring bag is hand sewn from many pieces of re-purposed, old cotton cloth. The assortment of the cloth fragments shows a variety across the spectrum of kasuri, striped and plaid woven cottons. From the overall appearance of the bag it is clear this is a was made from salvaged materials. 

A really handsome boro komebukuro this one has an upbeat personality and speaks volumes on recycling in old Japan.

Recommended.