A Kasuri Zokin: Symmetrical Sashiko Stitching

mid twentieth century
8" x 13 1/2", 20.25 cm x 34.25 cm

A zokin is a traditional Japanese dust cloth or cleaning rag; it is usually made from old pieces of cloth and it is usually layered and stitched for durability.   

Along with diapers, zokin are among the traditional household textiles that represent the end of the line where the repurposing or recycling of cloth is concerned.

This example shows a zokin of kasuri or ikat woven cotton that is beautifully stitched in an elegant and symmetrical diamond pattern.

Really lovely.