zokin dust cloths, pair, white

Offered here is a pair of cotton zokin, or Japanese handmade dust cloths, constructed from layers of white cotton fabric stitched together with rows of utilitarian sashiko stitching done in white cotton thread.  Gently faded motifs are visible on the outer surfaces, and if you hold the cloth up to the light you can see other motifs on the inner layers. 

Years ago, many Japanese people not only had to clean everything in the house, they had to make the cloths to do the cleaning with!  Scraps of worn out clothing or bedding were recycled to make many household items, including dust cloths.  Cotton fabrics were precious and every scrap of fabric and bit of thread were reused, a trait that we should consider today. 

The cloths measure 7.5 by 11.5 and 85 by 11 inches.  Very good condition!  These primitive dust cloths can be appreciated for the beauty in the pattern of the stitches, hidden motifs and muted colors.