early Twentieth century
49" x 48", 124.5 cm x 122 cm

This very patched, mended and boro work kimono, or nagagi, has seen a long life of service. The base kimono is made of beautifully hand loomed, indigo dyed cotton pieces; layers of patching and mendings have been applied to this piece-constructed kimono over time, some of the last patches to have been applied are of a kind of purple, commercially woven cotton.

Wonderfully stitched all over, and carefully patched, this is a beautiful and subtle, dark boro kimono. Typical of some of these old work kimonos, the collar is reinforced with a kind of cotton velvet--an exotic fabric in the Nineteenth century to be sure. The nap of this velvet insured long wear to the collar.

Along with the multiple layers of patches and mendings to this kimono, also note the surface abrasions, as well as a nice surprise of a small piece of indigo dyed cloth showing a resist-dyed area.

Beautiful and collectible.