ca. mid twentieth century
22" x 47", 56 cm x 119.5 cm

This boro jacket which is pieced and layered from a variety of cotton fabrics--both commercially produced and home made--is a beautifully vibrant garment from Japan's rural and remote north eastern region referred to as Tohoku.

The base fabric, a faded, commercial print, shows a repeat of stylized peacock feathers and floating triangles.  Over this are applied thick patches of a greyish cotton twill cloth.  The sleeves are of a printed cloth showing folding fans against a background of faux shibori and a historical, ancient motif. 

Note the wonderful patches and stitching on the proper front and inside of the coat, and notice the "cut" of the coat, which is short and collarless.  This may have been a garment in transition (clothing would be reconfigured according to age and use) or it could have been a kind of thick undergarment, much needed in Japan's cold north eastern areas.

Wonderfully stithced, patched, faded and worn.  A gorgeous boro garment, still quite wearable.

Very recommended.