A Tattered Boro Han Juban: Indigo Dyed Cotton

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
28 1/2" x 25", 72.5 cm x 63.5 cm

This tattered beauty is an indigo dyed cotton han juban or a traditional half under kimono. It is missing part of its collar and both its sleeves and it is shown inside-out in order to highlight its patching and repair.

The base cloth is a faded, well-designed indigo dyed katazome cloth that shows cherry blossoms in a fairly small scale. The pale plaid patches that are used to repair the proper front of the garment are in artful contrast to the small-figured base cloth.

The age of this piece is good as is the fading and wear; the patches to the two sides of the back are also a nice surprise.

Because this garment is fairly square-shaped it would make a very interesting artwork to admire, but it can also be worn or used for study.

With good age this is a handsome, boro han juban made from good materials.