A Very Patched Length of Rustic Hemp Cloth: Futon Cover

ca. early twentieth century
62 1/2" x 11 1/4", 159 cm x 28.5 cm

This is a gorgeous length of old, boro hemp cloth which has been mended with seven cotton--and one hemp--patches.

The woven hemp is rustic and textural, and the placement of the cotton patches down its length is almost fanciful.

This is panel taken from a futon cover, the original futon cover must have belonged to a poor family and may not have been stuffed with cotton as is often the case.  Families who could not afford cotton wadding would fill their futons with any manner of stuffing, whether it be rice straw or hemp waste fiber (okuso) or other kinds of padding.

This boro panel is fantastically good, in our estimation--and it comes recommended.