A Mosen Fragment: Shibori Dyed Mongolian Felted Wool

ca. late nineteenth century
40" x 16", 101.5 cm x 40.5 cm

This shibori dyed felted wool is a fragment from a larger piece which would have been a floor mat that has associations to tea culture in Japan.

This type of shibori dyed felted wool is called mosen; wool is not a native fiber to Japan and this felted wool was an import from Mongolia where wool is plentiful and where felting is custom.

This fragment of mosen is well-worn.  It shows an overall surface abrasion and soiling, some ingrained yet light stains, and some very tiny holes--please look carefully at the accompanying detail photos for a better view onto the condition issues of this rare shibori piece.

Even though we detailed the surface flaws of this felted wool textile, its benefits are its beauty, its relative rarity--and for shibori enthusiasts and researchers, the opportunity to own a small piece of this hard-to-find textile.

Recommended.