A Battered and Beautiful Boro Bag: Resist Dyed and Patched

early twentieth century
21 1/4" x 12 1/2", 54 cm x 31/5 cm

This simply constructed, completely hand-stitched bag is shown inside out. It is made of hand spun, hand loomed indigo dyed cotton that has been resist dyed with Chinese characters or kanji which we can see on one of the seams.

As can be easily seen by looking at the detail photos the bag shows a good amount of loss in the form of holes which are concentrated in the area of one of the resist dyed kanji sections.

The rest of the bag shows eight patches of indigo dyed cotton that are lighter in color than the base cloth, thus making an attractive tonal play.

The bag was probably used for everyday use and for holding or storing miscellaneous items; it was probably cinched closed by a cord which is no longer attached to the bag.

Charming in its rust appeal.