A Child's Indigo Dyed Boro Hemp Vest: Cotton Patches

ca. early twentieth century
20" x 17 1/2", 51 cm x 44.5 cm

This is a beautiful, country vest woven from indigo dyed, hand plied hemp yarns: the koshi or plaid cloth is of asa (bast fiber) and the 10 or so patches on the vest are primarily of indigo dyed cotton.

The asa cloth is particularly nice from the standpoint of "thread integrity."  It is an old piece and this kind of cloth exemplifies the weaving which was done in rural homes in old Japan.

The patches are artfully placed, although, of course, they were sewn on for the purpose of repair or for reinforcement before the cloth gives way.

An amazing little piece that is still very wearable, but one that begs to be admired on its own, as a reminder of a time gone by.

Wonderful.  Recommended.