A Rare Length of Boro Kumanozome: Optically Interesting Stripes

ca. late nineteenth, early twentieth century
54" x 12 3/4", 137 cm x 32.4 cm

This is a really, really marvelous cotton boro cloth, and one that is as unusual and it is rare.

The base cloth is called Kumanozome and it refers to a place of origin, an area near present-day Okayama Prefecture.  Kumanozome is immediately recognizable for its decidedly "Op Art" moire effect of undulating, crossing lines of contrasting colors and values. We have done several postings on our blog on Kumanozome, including one on a brother to this piece being offered here today.  Please have a look here.

This is a stunningly rare example of a boro cloth.  It is hand stitched from four pieces of Kumaozome which form the base cloth.  On this ground are eleven cotton patches, each hand applied.  The effect is brilliant.

It is with great pleasure that we offer this today; its beauty is quite obvious, and as a piece of boro cloth, it is quite out of the norm.

Very highly recommended.