A Printed Flannel Zokin: Stitched

ca. mid twentieth century
9 3/4" x 12 3/4", 24.5 cm x 31 cm

A zokin is a traditional Japanese dust rag which is usually made from several layers of cotton that have been stitched together.  Zokin, along with diapers, can be considered the last stop in the textile repurposing journey.

This zokin is particularly interesting because it is stitched from about three or four layers, the material being piece-constructed, printed plaid flannel, a material which entered Japan in the Meiji era (1868-1912) and which the Japanese call neru,

A very handsome and unusual zokin.