A Six Panel Boro Mosquito Net Section: Cotton Patches on Hemp Mesh

early twentieth century
60" x 57 1/2", 152.5 cm x 146 cm

This is a patched hemp or ramie mesh kaya or traditional mosquito netting.  The cloth is an open weave and is translucent.

These six panels, hand stitched to one another, were taken from a larger piece which would have been composed as a tent. The tent would have been suspended from the ceiling of a room and would have enclosed a bed or beds

The green tone is beautifully dulled from time and it the cloth was almost assuredly dyed in indigo and possibly over dyed using a yellow dye.

The bottom half of the cloth shows about five cotton patches, each loosely applied to the base which is frayed on the edges as can be seen in the accompanying detail photos.

There are some loose yarns and a loose seam on this kaya, but none of its flaws detracts from its beauty--and its beauty changes character when the piece is back lit. An accompanying detail photo here shows the kaya when installed in front of a light source.

Recommended.