A Large Hand Stitched Pieced Furoshiki: Lightweight Striped Cotton

early twentieth century
61" x 63", 155 cm x 160 cm

A furoshiki is a traditional Japanese carrying cloth that is also used for hauling and storage. Furoshiki are still very much used today in all parts of Japan.

This one is beautifully designed from 15 separate pieces of lightweight, striped cotton, all the pieces are hand stitched together. What is obvious is its unintended beauty: the red piece is the only one of its kind and it occupies just the right spot on this "textile collage."

The furoshiki as mentioned above is stitched from curiously lightweight fabrics and is in good, used condition. There do not seem to be any obvious stains and the color overall speaks of the tones of kimono that were worn in early 20th century Japan.

A beauty, to drape over furniture or, probably better, to admire as artwork, this is a beautiful statement in simplicity, thrift and ingenuity and it feeds the eye and mind much as art does.

Very recommended.