A Length of Tattered Sakiori Cloth: Rustic Ragweave

early twentieth century
66" x 13 1/2", 168 cm x 34 cm

This is a handsomely tattered and soulful length of sakiori weaving whose rag weft of muted color tones, are a bit ragged, pulled and worn against a cotton warp that shows the evidence of a good deal of wear.

Sakiori is a kind of weaving that uses shredded cloth for its weft yarn.

Most certainly this sakiori panel is taken from a kotatsugake or hearth cover: in old Japan a heating element was placed under a table. Over the table heavy cloth was draped and the family would gather around the kotatsu or heated table and tuck their legs under it in order to stay warm.

The length shows unraveling of yarns from lots of use over what must have been decades. The condition adds warmth and beauty to this length which, by itself, shows lovely, muted color tones.

This length is made more beautiful for its simplicity and its ragged condition.