A Hand Pieced Silk Zabuton Cover: Hundreds of Individual Pieces

early to mid twentieth century
18" x 18 1/2", 46 cm x 47 cm

This dazzlingly multi-colored square is composed of hundreds of hand stitched silk fragments that are arranged in rosettes all over the surface of the textile: its size and shape seem to indicate that this was the top part of a cover of a zabuton, a traditional seating cushion.

This is the top panel from the zabuton cover; the actual cover is not intact here.

Many, many scrap pieces of silk are intricately stitched to create this kaleidoscopic surface pattern. A few have loosened over time and with use, and one detail of this is shown on the photos attached.

Piece constructed fabrics like this one were sometimes seen in Japan and had many applications, both in the home for bags and cushions and also in ecclesiastical settings such as Buddhist temples where cloth like this can be seen as altar cloths and, as well, for various types of cushions.

This particular cloth is backed with a commercially woven white cotton which is machine stitched around the perimeter of the zabuton cover.

Looking at this cloth leaves one amazed at the amount of work and the intricacy with which the work was accomplished: it is just beautiful. 

There is some wear to this piece which is consistent with its age and just  a few of the small silk pieces are a bit loose--otherwise it is in good condition.

Recommended.