A Sashiko Stitched Indigo Dyed Furoshiki: Well-Worn

late nineteenth, early nineteenth century
46" x 48", 117 cm x 122 cm

A furoshiki is a traditional Japanese cloth that is used for storage, hauling and carrying of goods. Furoshiki are versatile in size and material and they are still used widely in Japan: they are versatile, efficient and are ingrained in the functioning of Japanese society.

This particular one is hand stitched of indigo dyed cotton cloth that over time and with wear shows surface abrasion in the form of small holes or pitting (shown in detail photos here) and a tear to the top, left corner of the cloth.

Its four corners have been generously sashiko stitched with large areas of white-on-blue stitching.

The proper left, top and right, bottom corners show the shippo tsunagi or interlocking circles motif.

The proper bottom, left and the top, right, show the matsukawabishi or pine bark pattern. 

The indigo dyed cotton is of average weight and is scuffed from wear and the center shows a bit of a distention from distended from regular use.

This is a very nicely stitched and quite handsome sashiko furoshiki: a fine example, regarless of its flaws. 

Wonderful, wonderful stitching.