A Shibori Dyed Zabuton: End Bolt and Two Stains

mid twentieth century
21" x 20" x 1 1/2", 53.5 cm x 51 cm x 4 cm

Zabuton are traditional Japanese cushions used to sit on the floor. Zabuton  which were used in the home were often hand made from available or re-purposed materials.

In this case it seems an indigo dyed cotton shibori yukata was taken apart in order to craft this seating cushion. The zabuton is filled with cotton batting; it is hand stitched.

As can be seen by the dense area of indigo dyed cotton it seems that the end of a bolt of shibori was used to make that portion of the zabuton. The type of shibori seen on this cotton is very much associated with the Taisho and early Showa eras or the 1920s and early 1930s.

Please note: there is one good-sized stain on each of the two sides of this zabuton and each of the two is shown on the accompanying detail photos here.