ca. early twentieth century
49" x 17", 125 cm x 43 cm

This is a beauty: it is a hemp fiber tsunobukuro or horn bag, so called because the bag is constructed as a tube set on the bias, and the two, top ends of the bag resemble an animal's horns.

Patched tsunobukuro are very collectible and this on is a fine example: there are eight patches on the exterior, with more inside, so you could say this piece is 'reversible.' The dark color of the hemp most likely comes from having dipped the bag in kaki shibu, or green persimmon tannin, probably to strengthen the cloth and render it somewhat impermeable to the elements. Note the addition of ink drawn kanji, or Chinese characters, on the front of the bag.

Boro collectors: this is a great addition to your collection and are not easily found.

Recommended.