A Kasuri and Sashiko Stitched Furoshiki: Hand Loomed Cotton

ca. mid twentieth century
30" x 28", 76 cm x 71 cm 

This is a really good-looking, hand stitched furoshiki in very good condition.

A furoshiki is a square-shaped cloth which was traditionally used for carrying and storing items in old Japan.  This particular furoshiki is hand stitched from two panels of hand loomed, striped, kasuri cotton cloth, its colors being muted tones of grey and a predominent black-blue color.

The four corners of this beautifully realized furoshiki are sashiko stitched by hand, the white stitches being very short and very precise, creating the effect of a delicate tracery over the bold, striped and kasuri base cloth.  Two opposing corners show a stylized chrysanthemum stitch, while the other two opposing corners show a kind of stepped, scalloped motif.  The corners bearing the chrysanthemum motif also show a braided "tail" of leftover sashiko thread.

A simply gorgeous old textile, one with a great deal of character, and one that speaks eloquently of folk textiles in old Japan.