A Sashiko Stitched Furoshiki: Kasuri Cotton Cloth

early to mid twentieth century
29 1/2"  x 29", 75 cm x 73.5 cm

This is a super charming folk textile: it is a small furoshiki which is a traditional Japanese wrapping or carrying cloth.

It is hand stitched from two panels of beautifully hand woven, striped, kasuri cotton of wonderful design. On each of its four corners are sashiko stitched reinforcements that cover a small area of each corner.  

On two opposing corners we see the stitching is done to resemble or suggest the chrysanthemum while the other two corners show a fragment of a stylized cherry blossom. Each of the four "tails" of sashiko stitching is still intact, which is a desirable detail for a sashiko stitched furoshiki.

Because this furoshiki was actually used during its lifetime, its center is slightly distended and therefore it does not lay completely flat: this is a characteristic of most well-used furoshiki.  Also, please note the spray of small holes, some the size of a pin head, that are pictured on the accompanying detail photographs.

A wonderful old folk textiler

Recommended.