A Huge Piece Constructed Drawstring Bag: Completely Reversible

mid twentieth century
14 1/2" x 20" x 20", 36.8 cm x 50.8 cm x 50.8 cm

In order to get an idea of the real character of this piece constructed drawstring bag please check the dimensions above. It is huge.

And it is is fully reversible. 

The lined inside is made of pieces of cotton and the inside is shown in the lead photos here. 

The proper outside is hand stitched from many fragments of shibori dyed silk obiage or a kind of scarf that is used to tuck inside and at the top of an obi.

There are some (4) prominent stains to the outside, shown in photos here, and for that reason a good amount of safflower dyed, lightweight lining silk will be included in your order in the event you want to patch over these stains.

The inside lining is not noticeably stained.

 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.  

Due to its immense size this particular bag is most likely a komebukuro as just described--it may have been intended to be used as a utilitarian bag in some fashion.

A marvelous bag, wonderful for its gigantic size and its reversibility, it is an object that recalls the spirit of old Japan.