A Beautiful 19th Century Boro Length: Stripes with Checked Patches

ca. late nineteenth century
69" x 14", 175 cm x 36 cm

This length of hand woven, indigo dyed cotton cloth, with its wide stripes in gradient blues, is a classic bedding cloth which was woven and used in the 19th century.

As with many boro textiles, this one clearly was taken from a futon cover, and the striped base cloth is just beautiful in its design and execution.

As beautiful, and as emblematic of the 19th century as the striped cloth are the richly colored and densely hand woven cotton patches, about seven in all.  If you have an eye for old Japanese cloth, by looking at these patches you will immediately understand that the patches are of old cotton, dating from the mid-to-late 19th century.  Their color and pattern contrast to the base cloth is very attractive.

A wonderfully vibrant length of boro cloth with good age and a striking presence. 

Recommended.