A Beautifully Reversible Boro Futon Cover Fragment: Tsutsugaki Detail

late nineteenth, early-to-mid twentieth century
71" x 19", 180.5 cm x 18.25 cm

Please look at the two lead photos on this entry to see that this length of indigo dyed boro cotton is made of two sides which are equally visually interesting: one side shows beautiful old cottons and rich patching while the other side shows a very faded, tsutsugaki dyed family crest which is obscured by a very large, dark cotton mending patch.

The 1 1/2 loom width length is layered from two lengths, most of which are indigo dyed cotton pieces which are woven from hand spun cottons.  The patched side of this boro length is rich in patches of all sorts: curious is to see the two, katazome dyed plaid patches are each set on an angle, one mirroring the other, which is a charming detail to see.

The reverse side shows cloth beautifully faded and woven from superb hand spun cottons.  The resist dyed image which is only partially seen is a family crest, in this case it shows the paulownia flower: there is real artistic interest in the fact that this mon or crest is patched over in the way that it is.

For those interested in acquiring a very good example of a Japanese boro textile with good age, this piece should be seriously considered.

Very recommended.