A Layered and Pieced Zokin: Bellflower

ca. early to mid twentieth century
12" x 12 3/4", 30.5 cm x 32.5 cm

A zokin is a traditional Japanese dust rag which is usually made from several layers of cotton that have been sashiko stitched together.  Zokin, along with diapers, can be considered the last stop in the textile repurposing journey.

This one is about four layers thick and is composed of wonderful scraps of cotton cloth, the most interesting piece being the fragment of commercially produced cotton that shows stripes, a repeat pattern of stylized flowers, and random placings of the beautiful kikyo or bellflower.

A rich and lovely old cloth, very traditional, and one that will very much bring life into any room.