A Length of Shibori Dyed Mosquito Netting: Soft Blue Tone

early twentieth century
60" x 14", 152.5 cm x 35.5 cm

This is a length of woven hemp mesh the wiry yarns of the hemp fiber are hand plied.

This length is a panel taken from a mosquito net or kaya--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 unusual dyeing: it is rare to see kaya that has been dyed in the shibori method as this one has: you can see 12 staggered "spiderwebs" of tie dye separated into 2 columns of six each. The color of the length is a dull, pale blue.

Rich in hand work and very much a part of Japan's past, this length of bast fiber kaya or mosquito netting is a rare opportunity to own a tie dyed kaya section.

Please note the shadows on the length might appear as brownish-colored stains: this is not the case, this is just an issue of photography.

Recommended.