A Large, Sashiko Stitched Kotatsugake: All Over Stitching

mid twentieth century
66" x 58 1/2", 167.5 cm x 148.5 cm

This is a large, completely sashiko stitched kotatsugake which is a heavy cloth to be draped over a traditional heated table or kotatsu. A layered cloth such as this traps the heat so a family who gathers near the hearth and places their legs under the cloth stays warm. 

To think that a kotatsu was still being used when this was made by hand in a family's home in roughly the mid twentieth century points to Japan's lingering traditions--nowadays kotatsu are usually in the form of an electric blanket.

This one is totally hand stitched and is made of recycled, narrow-striped cottons which were probably intended to be used as a kimono. The field is a grid of white sashiko stitches that have been intersected at a 45 degree angle by diagonal lines. The entire surface is covered in this pattern which is flawlessly executed.

This kotatsugake is two layers thick and seems never to have been used. That said please pay attention to the detail photos which show two narrow zones of a darkening of the white stitches, presumably the result of folding and storing this piece for decades. This faint discoloration is very difficult to see in person but please be aware of it.

The entire piece is edged and finished.

This is a lovely, traditional kotatsugake from the mid-twentieth century with an amazingly large area of very good sashiko stitching.

Recommended.