A Long Panel of Hemp and Cotton Kaya: Two Patches

early to mid twentieth century
80" x 13", 203.5 cm x 33 cm

This is a generously long length of kaya or traditional Japanese mosquito netting.

Kaya is laxly woven cloth; in this case, the warp is of indigo dyed cotton and the weft is of undyed hemp: the result is a warm, blue tone due to the optical color mixture of the blue and the wheat colors.

The selvedges and two centrally placed narrow stripes are the result of carefully placed white cotton warp yarns, and there are two beautifully placed patches which are hand stitched to the length and add visual interest to the otherwise already-interesting length of cloth. Please note some loss to the selvedge area, shown on a detail photo here.

A lovely, handsome and subtle traditional Japanese textile.

Beautiful.