A Three Panel Sakiori Kotatsugake Section: Beautifully Colored

early twentieth century
68" x 37 1/2", 173 cm x 95 cm

This very handsome, hand woven, blanket-weight textile is woven from cotton yarns torn into narrow strips from rags. In Japan rag weaving is referred to as sakiori. 

This is a three panel section which was part of a kotatsugake or kotatsushiki or a cloth either to be draped over a heated table or kotatsu or to be placed under it. 

A draped, heavy cloth such as this traps the heat so a family who gathers near the hearth and places their legs under the cloth stays warm. 

This was undoubtedly was woven by a member of the family who used it as home weaving was a regular feature of most Japanese households.

As can easily be seen the color and pattern is handsome and very attractive. 

The dyed cotton warp is pale in town alternates in color--the color on the warp yarns is hard to discern.

The rag weft is softly colored with neutrals and shows some beautiful passages of reds, blue-greens and mottled areas that add texture and variation to the overall design.

The edges of the kotatsugake are finished with a burgundy-toned, commercially woven cotton binding.

This is a really good looking sakiori kotatsugake section in used condition. The top and bottom are a bit tattered and on the reverse there are reinforcing patches to these same areas. The cloth is unlined or not backed so there it is advisable to display it as art or to use it as a throw, but not as an area rug.

It shows no alarming or noticeable stains or damage. The colors are soft and muted and there is gentle variation in the weft yarns which add visual interest to this very good quality, hand woven textile.

This is a wonderful piece to own.

Recommended.