A Sashiko Stitched Shibori Zokin: Broken Stitches

early to mid twentieth century
12" x 15 1/2", 30.5 cm x 39.25

A zokin is a traditional Japanese dust cloth or cleaning rag; it is usually made from old pieces of cloth and it is usually layered and stitched for durability.   

Along with diapers, zokin are among the traditional household textiles that represent the end of the line where the repurposing or recycling of cloth is concerned.

This technically complex, large boro zokin is a few layers thick and is sashiko stitched in a hemp leaf pattern set over a large, centrally placed plum blossom rendered in shibori. 

Please note the broken stitches, the boro edges and the stains which appear on the flip side of this rustic beauty.

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