A Length of Beautifully Mended Mosquito Netting: Hemp

early twentieth century
72" x 13", 183 cm x 33 cm

This is a length of woven hemp mesh that has been dyed a dull 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 length is a panel taken from a 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.

This piece is particularly notable for its marvelous mending.

We see a large patch onto which are around two small neat blocks of dense stitching, very beautifully done. 

Rich in hand work and very much a part of Japan's past, this length of bast fiber kaya or mosquito netting is an excellent example of mending and of the Japanese credo of mottainai, which is a call not to waste. Please note some very faint, almost unnoticeable stains to the cloth.

Recommended.