Altar Cloth: Multi-Color Patchwork - Organic Linen, Cotton and Silk.
Tenkozan: Made on the Mountain collection from the Monastery Stitchery and Dye Studio.
To show honor and respect, customarily, a beautiful textile is placed under statues, ritual objects, instruments or sacred texts. Altar cloths represent the sacred area of protection during liturgy and can also simply protect the surface of your altar table.
These patchwork altar cloths are our way of using everything well. They are composed from remnant material from other projects that has been dyed with the plant dyes that we grow, harvest and process right here on the mountain - in this case, indigo, madder, marigold and more. Patchwork holds a long tradition in Buddhism. Extending all the way back to those ordained with Shakyamuni Buddha, who patched together discarded rags for their robes, or in Japanese traditions, Okesa. The patchwork is a visible reminder of the interconnectedness of all beings.
Each altar cloth is a unique work of art made by the monastics and residents who work in the Monastery Dye Studio and Stitchery. We infuse every object with our practice and attention and are delighted to bring that care to your home altar.
This altar cloth is approx. 21.5" x 18.5" and is lined with a backing of organic, indigo dyed linen. It is one-of-a-kind.
