A Large, Five Panel Boro Asa Noren: Patched and Mended

ca. late nineteenth, early twentieth century
60″ x 59″ or 152.5 cm x 149.75 cm 

This is a really lovely, old, hemp or ramie noren.  A noren is a kind of curtain or doorway cover.  

Noren can be long, as this one is, or very short, as some of you may have seen, say, at sushi bars.  Noren do not always cover doorways, often they are used to demarcate space and address a psychological transition between spaces, interior or exterior.

This one is composed of five, separate, hand stitched lengths of undyed asa cloth which, obviously, show a lot of wear.  The rustic quality of the cloth and the equally rustic patching and repairing done to this noren is impressive, as is its size.

Front and back are equally interesting from the visual standpoint, and either side could be highlighted when hung.

This is a personal favorite, and one as much age as character.  A really wonderful, old, boro asa noren.

Very recommended.