A Mame "Bean" Shibori Pouch: Gauzy Cotton

early twentieth century
12 1/4" x 13 3/4", 31 cm x 35 cm

This wonderful little hand stitched object is a pouch made of gauzy cotton that was dyed in the mame--or bean--shibori method where cloth is pleated and where dye is targeted to prescribed areas of the cloth in order to create a charming and familiar pattern of "beans." 

Here is a short video documenting a bit of the dyeing process.

The purpose of this pouch is unclear but certainly it has many of applications still today, plus, it is a charming thing to appreciate.