A Patched Indigo Dyed Hemp Bag: Sashiko Stitched Name

early twentieth century
22" x 12 1/4", 56 cm x 31 cm

Shown inside-out, this is a beautifully faded and worn old indigo dyed hemp bag which is stitched with hemp yarn and is outfitted with a hemp drawstring.

The woven hemp cloth is soft and supple and the indigo dye has faded beautifully over time. What is charming about the piece, aside from its lovely, old cloth and home made construction, is the indigo dyed cotton patch and the small, white cotton Chinese character that is hand stitched to the proper outside of the bag, shown here on the last of the accompanying detail photos.  

Please note that the photos show a kind of brownish hue to the shadow areas: this is a trick of the light on the photograph and which is not present on the actual cloth.

A little beauty from old Japan.