A Small Pouch of Shifu: Woven Recycled Ledger Paper

early twentieth century
3 3/4" x 8 1/2", 9.5 cm x 21.5 cm

This pocket-sized pouch is hand woven from shredded ledger paper and the woven "cloth" shows dark blips from the hand writing on the paper that was used to create the paper yarn.

Woven, shredded paper is referred to as shifu in Japan and this is an unusual--and practical --application for this kind of cloth. It was found in Yamagata prefecture, in the rural north eastern part of Japan so it is very likely this is where the pouch was made.

The shifu cloth is very sturdy and it is tightly woven as you can see on the detail photos here. The bag is edged in indigo dyed cotton and there is a long, cotton tie that secures the bag shut.

Inside is an old coin, presumably left there by whomever owned the bag and, if so, it adds a charming detail to this rustic and beautiful hand made object.

This is just delightful and the cloth from which it is composed is collectible and rare.