ca. early twentieth century
45" x 42", 114 cm x 106.5 cm

Please look twice at the detail photos accompanying this indigo dyed kasuri cotton work coat: this coat is much more interesting that it appears at first glance.

Why is this so?  Because the entire exterior of this lovely boro noragi is constructed from individual strips of indigo dyed cotton cloth that are sewn together and run horizontally: each strip is about 4 1/4" or 10.5 cm wide.  To be honest, this effect is so subtle and the stitching is so well done that we did not even notice this was the case until we went to photograph the coat and noticed that some of the seams were loose and that the coat was made in such a labor-intensive process.  Talk about recycling!

This is a really unusual way to recycle old cloth and for those who collect noragi or boro textiles, consider adding this piece to your collection for its unusual construction.

It is obvious from the surface abrasion and wear to the noragi that it's been worn hard.  This a major contributing factor to its beauty.

Pay attention as well to the lining of the coat--also patched and mended--which is constructed from a really lovely indigo dyed kasuri cloth: the sleeve interiors are blessed with some pretty great patches, so whoever becomes the owner of this coat will have to decide to show it as-is or inside-out: each side is beautiful.

Really wonderful and highly recommended.