A Repaired Zokin: Charming Mending

early to mid twentieth century
11" x 14 1/4", 28 cm x 36 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 zokin is a few layers thick and is made of old striped cotton cloth. It is sashiko stitched in a loosely executed grid pattern: the white stitches over the striped cotton base is beautiful.

What is most beautiful about this zokin, however, is the three mending areas shown in detail on the accompanying detail photos. 

A wonderful boro zokin with a very good old cotton cloth.