A Boro Zokin: Stitched Indigo Dyed Cotton

mid twentieth century
13 1/4" x 15 3/4", 33.5 cm x 39.5 cm

A zokin is a traditional Japanese dust cloth or cleaning rag; it is usually made from old pieces of cloth and it is usually layered and stitched for durability.   

Along with diapers, zokin are among the traditional household textiles that represent the end of the line where the repurposing or recycling of cloth is concerned.

This large, boro zokin is a few layers thick, is quite heavy and is stitched with green sashiko thread, giving a lovely contrast to the dark blue color of the cotton ground fabric.

A beautiful zokin.