Zokin is a cleaning cloth made of used fabrics. In earlier times textiles were considered precious and were continually repurposed for daily household use in Japan. When kimono, furoshiki (wrapping cloth) or futon covers became too old, they were cut into small rectangular pieces, layered with sashiko stitches, becoming Zokin. This utilitarian hand cloth or "rag" became the final form a long-loved textile would take.

These never-used Zokin were found in Northern Japan. They are made from fabric used over 100 years ago. The fades and mendings are layered with simple running stitches. Made with care for strictly practical purposes, Zokin are textile objects with a unique and unpretentious beauty.

21.5 x 32.5 cm / 8 1/2 x 12 1/2 inches

Unique, vintage piece

KOFU

Zokin (26 x 30 cm)

Zokin (26 x 31.5 cm)

Zokin (26 x 33.5 cm)

Zokin (27 x 30.5 cm)

Zokin (28 x 33 cm)