A Large Hemp Stitched Boro Zokin #2: Rust Ground and Blue Patch

ca. early to mid twentieth century
12 3/4" x 14", 32.5 cm x 356.5 cm

In the past we have shown and sold many zokin, or Japan's traditional dustrag which is hand sewn from layers of discarded cloth.  

This one, and the two others we are showing today, are slightly different than the zokin shown before because these are a bit larger in size (please note the dimensions listed above).

This zokin is an unintended, artful collage of discarded, Japanese cottons and it seems that there are about two-to-three layers of cloth that comprise this one zokin.  Front and back are equally interesting: and of course, since this textile was a working one that has been recycled, you will see surface wear to the  cloth pieces on both sides.

Please note this wonderful detail, one that we always look for in old Japanese rural textiles: the stitching done on this zokin uses hemp yarn, which adds a rustic element to the already beautifully unintended artfulness of this everyday cloth.