A Layered and Sashiko Stitched Section of a Kotatsugake: Hearth Cover

early to mid twentieth century
18" x 19", 45/75 cm x 48 cm

In old Japan, a heated table or kotatsu, was used to warm interior spaces.  Heavy cloth was piled on the square table top to trap heat, and family members would sit around the table, their legs tucked under the cloth draped over the kotatsu.  These heat-catching cloths are called kotatsugake.

This charming, sashiko stitched, double sided fragment was taken from the corner of a kotatsugake and with it comes a good deal of subtle yet very interesting visual information, great colors and wonderful texture.