A Large, Rustic Komebukuro of Very Good Quality: Old Cottons

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
11" x 9 1/2" x 9 1/2", 28 cm x 24 cm x 24 cm

This is a very good example of a piece-constructed, drawstring bag.

It is better than most for its large size and for the hearty array of nineteenth century hand woven cottons that compose the bag. It is a beauty and well worth considering.

This type of piece-constructed, drawstring bag is often referred to as a komebukuro.  

Komebukuro are bags that were used to bring token offerings of uncooked rice or beans to a temple or shrine festival, the piecing and patching often being thought-out and placed in a manner so as to create a celebratory textile that will lend a festive air to the happy event.

This large bag may not have been used for this purpose, however, but it is wonderful for all the reasons noted in the lead in to this post.

There are about 25 or more separate pieces of old hand woven cottons that compose the bag and each of them is beautifully textured in the way that only hand spun, hand woven cottons can be. The drawstring seems original to the bag and all the loops that hold the drawstring are intact.

A really beautiful bag for its age and for the good, worn quality of its cottons, this bag recalls every day life in old Japan.

Recommended.