A Sashiko Stitched Furoshiki: Indigo Dyed Cotton Wrapping Cloth

early twentieth century
52" x 52", 132 cm x 132 cm

Sashiko stitched furoshiki like this one are somewhat iconic Japanese folk textiles as the show some of the most notable characteristics of that genre, namely indigo dyed cotton and white sashiko stitching.

This is a good-sized, well-designed and well-executed furoshiki. A furoshiki is a wrapping/ hauling/ carrying cloth that is still ubiquitous in Japan. 

This particular one is hand stitched from four panels of indigo dyed cotton which are now scuffed and slightly marred from years of use. The beautifully done white cotton sashiko stitching, however, is unbroken and bright. In fact, on its two opposing corner the "tails" of gathered sashiko threads are still intact and hang from each corner.

 These "tails" trail from the top right and bottom left corners; they are extensions of the stylized chrysanthemums that both decorate and reinforce these corners. The proper top, left corner shows the sayagata motif which is based in the Buddhist swastika. The bottom, right hand corner shows diagonally-oriented meandering lines that are based on 90 degree turns.

Overall this is a very nice, fully realized furoshiki. The center of the cloth is a bit distended from wear and there are some small holes and some scuffing to the surface.

Recommended.