A Wonderful, Reversible Boro Length: Zanshi Patches and Katazome Base Cloth

late nineteenth century
63" x 13", 160 cm x 33 cm 

This is a fantastic, attractive, old length of nicely layered boro cloth which is equally interesting on both sides.

The side which is highlighted here, the boro side, is three layers thick in some areas.  

The entire length of this cloth is covered in patches, from top to bottom.  Mostly the patches are hand spun, hand dyed, indigo cotton, but what is really interesting, and adds visual value to the piece, is that there are four, well-placed patches of zanshi ori, or cloth which is woven from left over yarns. 

The reverse of the piece, the side of the cloth which would have been shown in the home, is a lovely length of katazome cotton which bears a complex pattern of karakusa or trailing vine which is studded with richly detailed flowers.

This particular boro piece is wonderful for its age and its good patches of old cloth.  A beautiful boro panel taken from a futon cover.

Recommended.