A Length of Hand Plied Hemp or Ramie Kaya: Repaired

early twentieth century
70 1/4" x 12 1/4", 178.5 cm x 31 cm

This is a length of woven, hand plied 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. Please look at the final detail photo to see a close-up of the yarns which also shows yarns twisted together, evidence of hand plying.

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 length is particularly notable for its marvelous mending.

We see a large patch with a nice-sized square of stitched mending which sits in between rows of vertical stitching, the vertical stitching is what holds the patch to the base cloth

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 areas of thinning or loss to the cloth, mainly at the top of the length.

Recommended.