A Boro Kimono or Noragi: Narrow Sleeves, Many Patches

early twentieth century

49" x 46", 124.5 cm x 117 cm

This is a wonderfully patched, handwoven cotton kimono whose dark, neutral color is indigo that has aged and oxidized to a lovely, muted finish.

The garment is shown inside-out; it has been well-used as can be seen by the amount of patching and the surface abrasion, a result of its life of hard work.

The kimono's bodice is full and its sleeves are very narrow which, when seen in proportion to the fullness of the rest of the garment is a bit out of scale.  Clearly these indigo dyed cotton sleeves were replaced from the kimono's original ones as they must have benefited the wearer.

The hand applied patching is generous; the patches are in subtle contrast to the base cloth which is a beautiful combination and has visual appeal.

A very good looking old country textile, and one that has seen generations of wear.