A Patched Zokin: Boro Base

early to mid twentieth century
8" x 10 1/2", 20 cm x 26.5 cm

A zokin is a traditional Japanese dustrag which is hand stitched using repurporsed cloth.  Zokin were often made in groups, so very often you will find batches of similar types coming from one home.

This zokin is made from what appears to be a patched, boro base: the stitching is done in a loose white grid over the already existing patched cloth. The reverse side of the zokin shows a green/blue plaid cotton.

This is a very handsome old, traditional dust rag which certainly can be used in the home as an accessory.