This lavishly sashiko stitched, indigo dyed bag is fashioned in an unusual way, with a plunging cleft at top.  Why is this?  Most likely this bag was used to carry a sake bottle.The bag is big, and is sake bottle sized, so this assumption is probably correct.  The bag, dating from the Meiji Era (1868-1912) measures 19″ x 10 1/2″ or 48 cm x 26.5 cm.The sashiko stitching is a repeat pattern of the popular, traditional motif asa-no-ha or hemp leaf.  The bag is lined in hand woven cotton.

The cotton cord is original to the bag.This is a fantastically beautiful bag, for its stitching, its unusual form, and the wonderful patina from wear.