A Boro Length: Twentieth Century Cotton

mid twentieth century
77" x 11 1/2", 195.5 cm x 29 cm

This is a long and narrow stitched length of striped, patched cotton, most likely from a futon cover that was more than likely stitched together from re-purposed clothing.

Aside from the boldness of striped cotton which makes up the body of the length, what is interesting is the symmetry of commercially produced cotton patches seen at the top and the bottom of this length.

The type of printed cloth that is attached to these two areas is very much related to the fashion on the early twentieth century when endless variations on this kind of design were imprinted on cotton, rayon and lightweight wool.

An attractive, good-sized boro cloth and one that offers up a slice of life from old Japan.

Really lovely.