A Length of Colored Cotton Sashiko Stitching: Layers and Applied Pattern

early twentieth century
17 1/2" x 19 1/4", 44.5 cm x 48.5 cm

This is a pieced cloth that has been heavily sashiko stitched all over its surface, the surface is heavily abraded as well.

Each side of this two-sided cloth is slightly different as the reverse side shows an attempt of applying a pattern over the already-stitched and pieced cotton cloth. 

The colors of the cloth are so unusual that, although found in Japan, it makes one wonder if it is Japanese in origin. The sashiko stitching feels Japanese in spirit but the red-dyed repeat motif on the reverse of the cloth calls to mind similar stitched textiles from Bangladesh and India.

No matter its origin this is a richly stitched, abraded and colored cloth that has a great deal of visual interest--it is mysterious and beautiful.