A Tattered Indigo Dyed Cotton Boro Apron: Hand Made

early twentieth century
22 3/4" x 18", 58 cm x 46 cm

In traditional Japanese culture in centuries past aprons were a staple item of almost everyone's dress, even children wore aprons over their kimono as a way of protecting them from wear, soiling and abrasion.

This is a wonderful example of an indigo dyed cotton, boro apron that is hand stitched from many pieces of old cotton which have been worn and abraded over time. The fairly large threadbare hole attests to this.

Notice the details front and back: each side is interesting. Pay attention, too, to the tattered tie of the apron which is made of several, recycled pieces of cloth, all randomly selected and casually stitched together.

The two bottom corners of the apron contain a surprise of sorts--if you touch each corner you will feel that there is some type of grain trapped inside the folded cloth, probably rice but maybe millet or barley as those grains were widely consumed by the masses.

This is a delightful boro garment that shows everything you would want to see: re-used old cottons, warmth from human wear and traces of the history of its everyday use.

Recommended.