A Very Mended Boro Asa Jacket: Patched and Threadbare

ca. late nineteenth, early twentieth century
34" x 46", 86.5 cm x 117 cm

This is a marvelous old boro hemp or ramie hanten that is shown inside-out in order to display its many patches, its deep patina and its wonderful stitching.

This jacket is well-used, as is quite obvious.  To describe its color is difficult: it is a kind of medium-range grey blue; the hemp cloth itself is woven of exceedingly narrow stripes which gives a misty appearance to the neutral color.

As with most hemp cloth, the fabric of this coat is slightly stiff; age, time and wear has abraded its surface.

This is a really lovely old coat: it is not quite clear if this was a work coat or if it was town wear that was worn hard by someone who had little means.  In any case, it is a potent reminder of life in old Japan.  Note an area on the proper, right, back that is threadbare.

A marvelously patched and mended boro garment, and one with good age, beautiful color and fine hand woven hemp or ramie cloth.

Recommended.