A Sakabukuro Zabuton Cover: Thick Stitching

mid twentieth century
diameter: 18 1/2", 47 cm

This curious round, pieced textile is what was either the top or bottom of a zabuton or a traditional Japanese seating cushion. 

The zabuton cover is machine stitched down its center and it is made from two different sakabukuro or sake making filters, each of which was mended with very thick, white, cotton thread.  The cloth itself is thick cotton which has been saturated with kaki shibu or green persimmon tannin which colored the cloth the rich, brown tones seen here.

An unusual textile object from old Japan.

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