A Large Bag Made from Recycled Ledger Paper: Cocoon Storage

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
44 1/2" x 30 3/4", 113 cm x 78 cm

This beautiful, large washi bag is made of traditional (probably) mulberry fiber paper and was repaired from recycled ledger books. All the handwriting seen on the patches of this bag are ledger entries which document inventories, accounts and similar transactions that need to be recorded and maintained.

This large bag was used in sericulture, it was said to have carried or stored cocoons. As such, when opened, the bag has a fairly flat bottom to accommodate its contents but when shown as in the photos here it is a beautiful artwork that can be admired for its intrinsic qualities.

As can be easily seen, the surface of the bag is stenciled with the name of the owner four times each, front and back,  The interruption of the applied patches to the ordered placement of the owner's mark is artful and provides unintended visual enjoyment.

Just beautiful.