A Grey and White Cotton Zokin: Subtle and Sophisticated

ca. early twentieth century
8" x 12 1/2", 20 cm x 32 cm

A zokin is a traditional Japanese dust rag which is usually made from several layers of cotton that have been stitched together.  Zokin, along with diapers, can be considered the last stop in the textile repurposing journey.

This zokin is interesting because it is stitched from about four layers, the topmost being an interesting woven striped cotton fabrci composed of gradient widths. The entire surface has been sashiko stitched in black cotton thread, both in a grid and in a pattern of two diagonals.

A beautiful thing.