A Sashiko Stitched Furoshiki: Asa-no-ha

reduced from $185.00
ca. mid to late twentieth century
42" x 41", 106.5 cm x 104 cm

This is an interestingly sashiko stitched indigo dyed cotton textile which seems to date from mid twentieth century or a bit later.

The large scale of the traditional Japanese hemp leaf motif, or the asa-no-ha as it is repeated all over the cotton cloth is really wonderfully graphic--and very well done.

Most likely this sashiko stitched cloth was intended to be used as a furoshiki or traditional wrapping cloth.  Its condition is still quite crisp and if it was used, it was used lightly.  There is a small smudge or stain on the piece located at the 3 o'clock position, slightly in from the furoshiki's edge.

The commercially produced cotton is very deeply colored with indigo which provides a nice contrast to the stark white of the cotton threads.

Lovely.