A Good Length of Hand Plied Hemp or Ramie: Indigo Dyed Mesh

early twentieth century
4 yards x 14", 3.65 m x 35.5 cm

This is a very generous length of hand plied hemp or ramie mesh that has been dyed a deep indigo color.

More than likely this length was taken from a kaya or a tent of mosquito netting: mosquito nets were ubiquitous in old Japan and were suspended from the beams of home and were placed over the family's futons. In summer, of course, they protected against mosquitoes while in winter they keep in or trapped whatever extra heat they could allow. In an unheated farm house made of timber and paper, any additional heat was welcome.

The color is a deep blue that in full light reads as warm indigo. In different lights there is a darker cast to it, sometimes veering on the greenish spectrum.

This is a very good opportunity to own a good-sized length of hand plied hemp or ramie mesh.