A Length of Patched Rustic Hemp: Boro
$65.00 USD
ca. early to mid twentieth century
63" x 11 1/2", 160 cm x 29 cm
This is a gorgeous length of old, boro hemp cloth which has been mended with two cotton patches.
The woven hemp is rustic and textural, and the placement of the cotton patches is really charming.:
This is panel taken from a futon cover, the original futon cover must have belonged to a poor family and may not have been stuffed with cotton as is often the case. Families who could not afford cotton wadding would fill their futons with any manner of stuffing, whether it be rice straw or hemp waste fiber (okuso) or other kinds of padding.
Note the cotton tab that is affixed to the side of this panel: this was used to tie the futon closed, when it was in use. Note as well a few, small, dark stains.
This boro panel just delightful for its rusticity, its material and its visual appeal.
