A Square Furoshiki Pieced from Kurume Kasuri Printed Labels: Beautiful Imprint

early to mid twentieth century
39" x 39", 99 cm x 99 cm

This interesting, square furoshiki--a traditional wrapping/carrying/hauling cloth--is hand stitched from nine pieces of cotton, six of which are printed. The printing on the cotton indicates that these pieces are from Kurume, an area in Kyushu well known for its kasuri or ikat weaving--and the printed pieces were probably the labeling from bolts of finished, kasuri cloth.

The hand pieced furoshiki is lovely for its recycled, charmingly printed cottons and for its wonderful palette of oranges, pinks and terracotta tones.  Running down the center of the cloth is a narrow area of light fading, and you will also notice a small hole on the middle, right-hand side.

A really delightful, utilitarian cloth from old Japan and one that shows the inventiveness and resourcefulness that can yield something as artful as this textile.