A Katazome Dyed Zokin: Thick Sashiko Stitches

early twentieth century
8" x 12", 20 cm x 30.5 cm

Zokin are traditional Japanese dustrags which are almost always made from layered and sashiko stitched scraps of cloth.

This is a very handsome zokin which is sewn from recycled indigo dyed katazome cotton cloth,about three layers in all.  

The katazome cloth, probably made in the early twentieth century, shows a repeat pattern of large-scale arabesque that is quilted with thick, white yarn.

Graphic and appealing, with a good fragment of katazome dyed cotton cloth this textured zokin is handsome and rustic.