A Large Section of Hemp Mesh Mosquito Netting: Patched Kaya

early twentieth century
76" x 54", 193 cm x 137 cm

This is a very handsome, quite large cotton kaya or mosquito netting which is composed of four panels of green-dyed, very open weave hemp mesh.

The cotton's green color may or may not be over dyed indigo, but green seems to have been one of the preferred colors for kaya as it was thought that green color repelled insects and lightning.  

The four panels are very translucent as can be seen in the photos here which show them hung in an interior setting. There is a good smattering of green colored patches that are hand stitched to the surface as well as some stitched mending that unintentionally appear to be some kind of playful star shapes.

Note one rather large hole to the bottom, center right panel right next to the charming, diagonally-oriented rectangular patch.

A very good looking, large kaya piece from old Japan and one with many delightful details.