A Tattered Kasuri Money Roll: Saifu

ca. early twentieth century
14 1/4" x 6 1/2",  36 cm x 16.5 cm

This pouch-like indigo dyed kasuri cotton bag or saifu, was used to carry money or valuables in old Japan.

The material is indigo dyed kasuri or ikat; the bag is lined and what seems to be the original cotton cording is still in place.  The kasuri is a really lovely, small, warp and weft variety: very good looking.

Have a look at the accompanying detail photos to see how this bag was rolled and used by its previous owner.

A lovely old utilitarian textile from old Japan with some noticeable surface abrasion to the bottom of the piece, and a bit of overall wear to the body.