A Heavily Layered Large Kotatsugake: An Assemblage of Kasuri Cottons

mid twentieth century
67 1/2" x 64", 171.45 cm x 162.5 cm

This is a large and heavy, stitched and layered kotatsugake which is a cloth to be draped over a traditional heated table or kotatsu.  Each of this kotatsugake's two sides is interesting to look at so make sure to scroll through all the photos to see full images and details of each side.

A heavy cloth such as this traps the heat of the table so a family who gathers near the hearth and places their legs under the cloth stays warm. To think that a kotatsu was still being used when this was made by hand in a family's home in roughly the mid twentieth century points to Japan's lingering traditions--nowadays kotatsu are usually in the form of an electric blanket.

This one is hand stitched and is made of recycled indigo dyed kasuri cottons: depending on the area on the kotatsugake it can be either two, three or four layers thick. The weight is fairly heavy and drapey and judging from the surface patina and the soft wear to the hand stitched edges this kotatsugake was used by a family.

In fairly well-used condition--meaning it is imbued with an overall soft patina from wear-- this is a lovely, traditional kotatsugake is completely hand crafted from a good amount of kasuri dyed cotton.

Recommended.