Sashiko Komebukuro - Good Fortune Coin Bag

Sashiko Komebukuro - Good Fortune Coin BagIndigo cotton komebukuro, or rice bag that has been hand dyed and embroidered with sashiko thread. Komebukuro were traditionally used to hold rice, which would be presented as offerings to temples during important religious ceremonies or holidays. The bags also sometimes served to hold gifts. This particular bag has the kanji character of Fuku, or "Fortune" embroidered on it, and a thick drawstring rope used to secure the opening. On the reverse is a

or "Fortune" embroidered on it

Broken warp threads

" which means to tear or rip up

These drawstring bags were typically used to carry offerings of rice to Japanese temples or shrines

It has been exhibited before and is in excellent condition for its age without stains or damage

They are said to consume nightmares and protect dreamers while they sleep

bed covers

In excellent overall condition

This piece balances a blend of what most collectors seek in boro - a visual aesthetic of artfully constructed patchwork that gives a "modernist" feel and years of hard wear

Used by firemen in late 19th century Japan to extinguish blazes

Early to mid 1900s

Mid 1900's