A Shibori Dyed Zokin: Sashiko Stitched Dust Rag

mid twentieth century
7 1/4" x 13", 18.5 cm x 33 cm

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 example of shows a sashiko stitched zokin which is a few layers thick and is stitched together from shibori cotton: note the beautiful sashiko stitching done in black cotton thread.

Just wonderful.