This listing is for an antique kotatsu blanket. A kotatsu blanket is a thick textile traditionally used with a low Japanese table with a heat source underneath. The blanket is draped between the table base and tabletop to trap warmth around those seated beneath it.

Every stitch tells a story in this wonderfully timeworn indigo textile, densely worked with rows of hand-sewn sashiko stitching and layers of expressive boro patching. Both sides reveal a constantly changing patchwork of indigo-dyed cottons in faded blues, deep navy, stripes, checks, and ikat-like patterns, with repairs upon repairs creating the beautifully irregular surface prized in Japanese boro textiles.

Significant fading, wear, holes, fraying, stains, and old repairs are part of its history and give the piece an especially strong wabi-sabi character. It began as a humble household item and was well-used and likely well-loved, we hope it finds a new home where it will be appreciated.  

Watch the video below about the indigo dyeing process.