This expansive silk sakiori rug, dating to the Meiji period (1868–1910), is a vibrant testament to the Japanese ethos of mottainai (waste nothing). Measuring 72 inches by 80 inches (183 cm x 203 cm), the rug is in very good condition, displaying the meticulous craftsmanship of traditional rag weaving.

The sakiori technique involves shredding salvaged textiles—such as old silk kimonos and futon covers—into thin strips, which are then woven as the weft into a new fabric. This specific piece features six horizontal registers of multi-colored vertical stripes, creating a complex, rhythmic pattern of ochre, crimson, indigo, and cream. The rug is backed with a striking red border, adding structural stability and a bold visual frame to the variegated interior. This artifact carries significant provenance, having been recently acquired from the estate of William Rathburn, the late curator emeritus for the Seattle Asian Art Museum.

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