A Complex and Delicate Length of Figured Hemp Cloth: Wonderful Patches

ca. late nineteenth
43" x 13", 109 cm x 33 cm

This boro length of extremely finely woven hemp or ramie cloth is pure elegance.  Most likely this is Omi joufu, a refined hemp or ramie weaving from the area of Japan which is present-day Shiga Prefecture.

The cloth is very fine and sheer, and the hair-like yarns used to weave it are hand plied.

This length shows an intricate and beautiful pattern which is the result of two processes: one is a stenciled paste resist (the blue and white pattern) while the other is the direct application of pigment or dye directly onto the surface using a stencil.

The resist dyed design ins that of vertical lines and matsukawabishi or stylized pine bark. The faded black, directly stenciled motifs are roundels and cherry blossoms.

Note the four gorgeous patches, each hand stitched, and the 1 3/4", 5 cm hole on the top quarter of this length.

Delicate, beautiful-- and old.

Recommended.