A Small Sashiko Stitched Furoshiki: Butterflies and Cherry Blossoms

early to mid twentieth century
27"  x 26", 68.5 cm x 66 cm

This is a super charming folk textile: it is a small furoshiki which is a traditional Japanese wrapping or carrying cloth.

It is hand stitched from two panels of hand woven, plaid, kasuri cotton. On each of its four corners is a sashiko stitched reinforcement which is meant to both provide durability for that corner as well as decorate it.

On two opposing corners we see stitching which is done in radiating shapes, not unlike that of a chrysanthemum or folding fan. The other two corners show a butterflies set against a background of an oversized detail of a cherry blossom. Each of the four "tails" of sashiko stitching is still intact on the corners, which is a desirable detail for a sashiko stitched furoshiki.

Because this furoshiki was actually used during its lifetime, its center is slightly distended and therefore it does not lay completely flat: this is a characteristic of most well-used furoshiki.  In good, used condition.

A wonderful old folk textile.

Recommended.