A Large Zokin: Black and White

early twentieth century
11 1/2" x 12 1/2", 29 cm x 31.75 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 re-purposing or recycling of cloth is concerned.

This large-sized zokin is a few layers thick and is made of old black-on-white kasuri cotton cloth. It is sashiko stitched in a loosely executed grid pattern using black cotton thread. 

There is a small stain to the bottom of the front of the zokin and a fairly large, faint stain to the right hand side of the zokin's back.

A good-sized zokin with a very nice old cotton cloth.