A Small Boro Mat: Very Unusual Diagonal Pieced Construction

early to mid twentieth century
34" x 27", 86.5 cm x 68.5 cm

This is a smallish-sized textile, probably some kind of sitting mat, that is stitched in a refreshingly unusual way in that it is designed with strong diagonals. 

Both front and back are interesting in this regard, the proper "front" being stitched primarily from indigo dyed kasuri cotton which was presumably taken from a kimono and repurposed here.

The proper "back" side is a cloth collage of scraps of old cloth in a palette of colors unlike on front. It is beautiful to look at and although the inherent structure of the design is the same as on the front the actual finished image is far different.

The two short sides are finished.

This would be a marvelous piece to admire as art by hanging it on the wall or to study for its ingenious use and re-use of materials.

Recommended.