A Patched Sakiori Panel: Kotatsugake

early to mid twentieth century
63" x 13 1/2", 160 cm x 34 cm

 This is a beautifully colored length of sakiori, a kind of weaving that uses shredded cloth for its weft yarn; sakiori is the Japanese word for rag woven textiles. As is evident in the attached detail photos, two small patches are hand stitched to the proper, left-hand edge of the length.

The warp yarns are of three colors, black, white and a narrow band of yellow, and each color occupies roughly half the width of the cloth.  The weft is entirely of rag yarns shredded from what could be called earthy-toned cotton.

Most likely this sakiori panel is taken from a kotatsugake or hearth cover, and it shows some light wear, some soft overall fading--but otherwise it is in good, used condition.

Beautifully colored and nicely woven, this is a very good example of sakiori weaving. 

Recommended.