A Thickly Layered, Blanket Weight Cloth: Intact Fragments of Tailored Clothing
early to mid twentieth century
51" x 26 1/2", 129.5 cm x 67 cm
This is a tattered, heavy weight textile that seems to be either a section from a kotatsugake, which is a blanket-weight cloth that is used to cover a heated table, or it is a full-sized shikimono, or a cloth used on the floor to be placed under a futon or to sleep directly on.
In any case it is as visually interesting as it is curious and there are pretty fascinating aspects to it.
It is made of many layers of re-purposed cotton cloth that are put one on top of the other so the cloth is quite heavy. The surface, as can be easily seen, is worn away and frayed.
What is so interesting about it is that we see large patches that are, in fact, selected pieces of clothing on (what is presented here as) the front of the cloth.
Even more direct is the back of the cloth: we see an entire, traditional work coat splayed and tacked down to the surface, acting as a patch or a layer to create more warmth or structure to the textile.
This clearly illustrates the ingenuity and resourcefulness that was pervasive in Japan well into the 20th century. It also points to the necessity of using and reusing material of any kind.
Recommended.