A Pieced Zokin: Beautifully Stitched Cotton

mid twentieth century
11 3/4" x 12 3/4", 30 cm x 32.5 cm

A  zokin  is a traditional Japanese dust cloth or cleaning rag; it is usually made from old pieces of cloth and it is usually layered and stitched for durability.   

Along with diapers, zokin are among the traditional household textiles that represent the end of the line where the repurposing or recycling of cloth is concerned.

This example shows a wonderfully sashiko stitched zokin which is about three layers thick and is stitched together from two different types of striped cotton cloth. Note the lovely stitching.

Charming.