A Length of Colorless Silk Boro Cloth: Edo Komon Verso

mid to late nineteenth century
48 1/2" x 12 1/2", 123 cm x 31.75 cm

Shown on the lead photos is the repaired back of a length of Edo komon silk, what appears to have been the sleeve from a kimono.

It is interestingly colorless, or, more specifically it is a kind of oyster color that is studded with three patches. There are areas of striation or loss, too.

On the proper front of the length we see this is Edo komon, which is a small figured cloth that was popular in the late Edo period (1603-1868). 

During the Edo period laws were enforced which regulated many aspects of life, dress included.

Most people in Edo Japan had to dress in subtle colors and patterns; because of this, elaborate, very small patterned cloth became popular because one could still wear figured clothing while not breaking any of the sumptuary laws that were laid down.

Countless small figured designs were developed during this period and for this reason we know that the cloth which was used to create this length dates to the 19th century.
The pattern shown on this length is that of very small pairs of pine needles.

A lovely length of old silk with a good story, good age and lots of visual appeal.