A Pouch of Old Mame Shibori: Bean Pattern

early twentieth century
12 1/2" x 14 1/4", 32 cm x 36 cm

This wonderful little hand stitched object is a pouch made of gauzy cotton that was dyed in the mame--or bean--shibori method where cloth is pleated and where dye is targeted to prescribed areas of the cloth in order to create a charming and familiar pattern of "beans." 

Here is a short video documenting a bit of the dyeing process.

The purpose of this pouch is unclear but certainly it has many of applications still today, plus, it is a charming thing to appreciate.