A Square Zokin: Red Thread

ca. early to mid twentieth century
9" x 9", 23 cm x 23 cm

This lovely, layered, small sashiko-stitched cloth is a zokin, or a traditional Japanese dustrag.  Generally speaking, zokin are among the traditional Japanese utilitarian fabrics that can be considered at the end of the textile recycling chain.

This one is stitched from two types of woven striped cotton, the entire surface being covered in white stitches.  An unusual detail is the large, red stitched "X" which dominates the front and the back of this lovely, humble textile.

A good addition to a zokin collection.