An Old Pieced Drawstring Bag: Ramie and Crepe Silk

early twentieth century
8 1/2" x 9" x 9", 21.5 cm x 23 cm x 23 cm

This decorative, hemp or ramie piece-constructed decorative bag is extraordinary in its good condition and its fine decoration, not to mention the expert making skills.

The base of the bag is a hemp or ramie kasuri cloth, probably from Omi which was a center of fine hemp and ramie weaving.

The applied decoration that encircles the bag in a repeat pattern of diamonds is of chirimen or crepe silk in colors of very pale grey/green, deep red, pink and pale yellow.  

Then turn the bag over. The bottom shows a wonderful surprise: a piece-constructed image of what the Japanese called a hanabishi or diamond flower which is devoid of any flaw or wear which tells us this bag was never used after it was made.

This is a fancy bag which shows a good amount of design and execution skill. Its drawstring and their loops are intact and seem original to the bag and the bag is lined in undyed cotton.

Simply covetable.