A Length of Densely Sashiko Stitched Layered Cotton: Kotatsugake Panel

early twentieth century
31" x 12 3/4", 78.75 cm x 35 cm

This is a beautifully executed sashiko stitched fragment: three of its four sides are finished which means that this was taken from a longer piece.  The original function of the piece is not known.

Look carefully at the detail photographs here and you will see that the striped cotton which is the base cloth of this piece is used as a guide for the white sashiko stitching: each stitch which pierces this cloth is done in respect to the width of the stripe.  The result of this seems to unintentionally mimic a woven fabric.  The stitches are almost perfectly even.

There is definitely some light abrasion and wear to he entire surface of this piece but it shows nicely.  The hand woven cotton cloth which forms the base of this textile is beautiful.

A wonderful little thing with fantastic sashiko stitching.