A Pair of Very Attractive Boro Momohiki: Traditional Leggings

ca. early to mid twentieth century
as shown: 26" x 39", 66 cm x 99 cm

This is a very beautifully patched and mended pair of traditional cotton Japanese leggings called momohiki.

The construction of the cotton leggings themselves is machine stitched.  The pair of leggings is composed from a very complex, traditional pattern which requires many pieces joined together to create one garment.  The patches--too many to count--are all hand stitched to the faded grey colored cotton base garment; most of the patches are of hand loomed cottons. 

Please pore through the accompanying photos here to gain better insight into the beautiful patching and the eccentric stitching which elevates these momohiki from an ordinary pair of discarded work clothing to something to be considered as an artful memory of daily life in old Japan.

Just beautiful--and recommended.