A Beautifully Patched Katazome Boro Panel: Faded and Figured Ground

late nineteenth century
55 1/2" x 13", 141 cm x 33 cm

This is a length of hand spun, hand woven, indigo dyed katazome cotton that was taken from a futon cover.

As is easy to see this piece has been beautifully patched and repaired, the patches that are used to mend the length seem to be the same age and quality as the base cloth.

The design on the cloth is that of stylized chrysanthemums and arabesques.

The indigo tone has faded or oxidized to become a greyish tone. By looking at the fairly unfaded selvedge areas you can see the original deep blue and clear white of the cloth before it was used hard and gained so much age.

There are about ten or twelve patches on the surface, the length is created from two pieces that are hand stitched together. There is some faint yellowing to the white areas of the cloth, probably more noticeable in photos than in real life.

This is a really good, boro cloth for its age, its wonderful hand spun cotton and for the rich assortment of patches to the surface of the length.

Recommended for someone looking for an old boro cloth with a good deal of history and soul.