A Sashiko Stitched Kotatsu Textile: Wonderfully Dynamic Stitching

mid twentieth century
49" x 47 1/2", 124.5 cm x 120.75 cm

This square-shaped, entirely sashiko stitched cloth is supple in the hand and was used in the service of the kotatsu, a heated table that is traditional and ubiquitous in Japan.

The cloth could have been used under the kotatsu (kotatsushiki) or on top of the table (kotatsugake) to trap warmth, but in any case what we see here is artful and just delightful to behold.

The featured side of the cloth was likely the proper "back" of the cloth but because of its Modernist appeal it is shown here. The central bluish square as it sits within the field of maroon cotton is a strong image. The directional sashiko stitching as it appears around the frame is in rich contrast to the center square with its intersecting, meandering diagonals: just wonderful to see.

The plain, plaid side of the cloth was probably the public facing side but it is its reverse that holds the visual interest--and it is just wonderful to see.

As mentioned above, this cloth is drapey and it would work perfectly if you decide to use it as a throw or blanket in the home, but it would also be a very good thing to hang on the wall to admire as art.

Just wonderful, as you can see.