A Four Panel Patched Hemp Kaya: Mended Mosquito Netting

early twentieth century
72" x 53", 183 cm x 134.5 cm

This is a piece composed of four panels of woven hemp mesh that has been dyed a green color: the wiry yarns of the hemp fiber often drink in dye in an uneven way which makes for a lovely color overall.

This well-worn, machine stitched four panel cloth was taken from a large mosquito net--tents of mosquito netting were found hanging around and enclosing beds in all houses all over Japan, not just to protect from the hoards of mosquitos in that humid country's summer but also, in winter, to aid in capturing a bit of ambient warmth as one laid in their futon.

The kaya shows a some holes of various sizes and some of the cloth is threadbare as can be seen on the accompanying detail photos. There are about seven mending patches to the surface which has mellowed to a very nice, sophisticate dull green tone. One long area of selvedge is missing on the right-hand side of the cloth.

Rich in hand work and very much a part of Japan's past, this length of bast fiber kaya is an example of mending and reminds us of the Japanese credo of mottainai, which is a call not to waste. 

Recommended.