A Wonderful Pair of Child Sized Boro Momohiki: Hand Spun Cotton

late nineteenth century
as shown: 25" x 28", 63.5 cm x 71 cm

Momohiki are a style of wrap-around, tight fitting work trousers that were worn in all areas of old Japan.

This small-sized pair should be considered if you have been hoping to find a good pair of boro momohiki for your collection because not only is the patching and mending quite nice, the indigo dyed cotton--of a beautiful, light-toned indigo color--is just wonderful: it is hand spun and hand woven, which is just want you would want when collecting Japanese folk textiles.

This pair of momohiki is very small; it can be said they are child-sized, which may be true.  But it also may be true that they were worn by an adult, as in old Japan mature adults could very well be much small and of slighter build than they are now.

The patching, construction and repair in this pair of momohiki is just wonderful, as is the fantastic base cotton, which is rich in ito aji or thread flavor.

Very recommended.