A Wonderfully Patched Boro Fragment: Visual Treat

early twentieth century
27" x 32", 68.5 cm x 81 cm

This spirited and well-patched boro textile is a section taken from a futon cover; the base cloth made of hand woven indigo is lightweight and threadbare--almost sheer from wear and use--in areas.

It is made from four separate pieces that have been hand stitched together to form one large area.

Around 13 patches are applied to this cloth, the arrangement free-form and serving the purpose to reinforce the weak cloth: the result is dynamic and visually arresting.

This humble section of old cloth is in itself an unintended artwork, something with great visual appeal and a window into life in a Japan long gone.

Beautiful.