A Sashiko Stitched and Tsutsugaki Dyed Furoshiki: Willow and Ducks

early to mid twentieth century
43" x 39", 109 cm x 99 cm

A furoshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth which is used for hauling or storing goods.

In this case this rustic furoshiki has some bells and whistles in the form of sashiko stitched corners and a beautifully rendered tsutsugaki picture which some of its more utilitarian cousins would not have.

The velvety green color is the result of indigo being over dyed in a yellow dyestuff: it is not easy to see on the photos here but in real life this is quite apparent as the white, undyed drawing shows a halo of yellow color around its edges.

The cotton of the furoshiki is hand spun and hand woven and the cloth is hand stitched. The sashiko stitched corners must have been done before the cloth was dyed because they are as green as the furoshiki is.

The image is lovely: Mandarin ducks in a stream or pond under the softly swaying branches and leaves of a willow tree.

A beautiful, old furoshiki notable for its nice drawing and its dual techniques of sashiko stitching and tsutsugaki dyeing.

Recommended.