A Large Hemp Stitched Zokin: Boro

This is a really wonderful, hand stitched zokin, a traditional dustrag that is created from scraps of old cloth in what may be arguably one of the last phases of repurposing of old cloth.

This one is larger than most--please see the dimensions listed above.  It is also sewn from richly colored cotton cloth; the cloth piece on the upper right hand quadrant of the front of the piece is called sankuzushi, a kind of "basketweave" that was popular in the mid to late nineteenth century.

Horizontal rows of haphazard hemp thread sashiko stitching keep this layered rag quilted in place.

Just charming.