A Handsome Patched Noragi: Cuffed Sleeves

ca. early to mid twentieth century
28" x 54", 71 cm x 137 cm

This is a really lovely, cotton noragi or work coat which is hand stitched from hand loomed cotton of narrow stripes.

There are a few things to note when considering this noragi.  First is the spare and lovely patched repairs to the shoulder areas and to the sleeves.  Obviously the neck and shoulder parts give way easily, especially if one's work involves carrying burden or if some kind of friction is applied to this area of the body.  

The other detail worth noting is the "cuffed" sleeves.  This kind of detail is not a native Japanese one, but rather it was borrowed from Western styling, which started making its way into Japan in the mid-to-late 19th century.  There is a traditional tight fitting sleeve called tepposode, but this type of sleeve does not terminate in a cuff detail, making this noragi just a bit more interesting than it could be.

This work coat is lined in a nicely faded, indigo dyed cotton.  The jacket is in good condition for being heavily worn and shows just a few small stains, snags and tears, as can be expected.

A really lovely boro noragi.