A Piece Constructed Komebukuro: Tattered Drawstring Cotton Bag

early twentieth century
10" x 8" x 8", 25.5 cm x 20 cm x 20

This kind of piece-constructed, drawstring bag is referred to as a komebukuro--and for those into mending, this will provide a great start for a hand stitched repair project.

Komebukuro are bags that were used to bring token offerings of uncooked rice or beans to a temple or shrine festival, the piecing and patching often being thought-out and planned for festive effect.

This damaged, lined bag is hand stitched of several pieces of mainly dark, striped cotton of various types, with the inclusion of a prominent pieces of large-scale plaid kasuri. The bag closes with a drawstring which seems original to the bag which is looped through hand made loops, most of them intact.

The bag is entirely lined with hand woven, undyed cotton.

The overall effect is handsome and the choice of cloth used to create this komebukuro is well-selected. 

A really lovely komebukuro of good size that is waiting to be repaired by you.