A Large Square-Shaped Zokin: Lots of Sashiko Stitching

mid twentieth century
14 3/4" x 13", 37.5 cm x 33 cm

A zokin is a traditional Japanese dust cloth or cleaning rag; it is usually made from old pieces of cloth and it is usually layered and stitched for durability.   

Along with diapers, zokin are among the traditional household textiles that represent the end of the line where the repurposing or recycling of cloth is concerned.

This attractive and large-sized square-shaped zokin is a few layers thick and is sashiko stitched in tight vertical rows: the white stitches over the dark figured cotton is beautiful for its contrast.

A handsome zokin of good, large size.