Boro beauty par excellence!!
This is a 16 plus meter long ‘himo’, which means chord, braided from scraps of repurposed cotton fabric. The fact that it is 16 meters is a telltale sign that this is not just any old chord, but horse reins for leading a horse, probably used to lead a horse during festivals for a bright and gay aesthetic.
Rustic yet elegant, this piece embraces the harmony of form and function. A boro and bauhaus treasure, one could say. The use of so many cotton scraps speaks to the aesthetic of not wanting to waste anything, however humble or small. The underlying aesthetic of boro, mott’ai nai. Frugality is beautiful. Sustainable. Even thoughtful.
Judging from the fabrics used, this piece is from late Meiji or Taisho eras, basically late 19th century, early 20th century. It is all cotton. No silks, no synthetics. It must be made from hundreds of scraps! I see indigos, kasuris, all sorts of weaves.
This would be perfect for the equestrian collector, horse lover, and even the artist or designer. It makes impeccable decor, but could definitely be put to use, as well. It is still strong and relatively compact. Solid.
Finding these in such good condition is rare. It has been washed, and can be again.
over 16 meters long, 584 grams
Share this listing and my shop all over the place, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, the local corkboard, tell the cat.
Meow.
Boro beauty par excellence!!
This is a 16 plus meter long ‘himo’, which means chord, braided from scraps of repurposed cotton fabric. The fact that it is 16 meters is a telltale sign that this is not just any old chord, but horse reins for leading a horse, probably used to lead a horse during festivals for a bright and gay aesthetic.
Rustic yet elegant, this piece embraces the harmony of form and function. A boro and bauhaus treasure, one could say. The use of so many cotton scraps speaks to the aesthetic of not wanting to waste anything, however humble or small. The underlying aesthetic of boro, mott’ai nai. Frugality is beautiful. Sustainable. Even thoughtful.
Judging from the fabrics used, this piece is from late Meiji or Taisho eras, basically late 19th century, early 20th century. It is all cotton. No silks, no synthetics. It must be made from hundreds of scraps! I see indigos, kasuris, all sorts of weaves.
This would be perfect for the equestrian collector, horse lover, and even the artist or designer. It makes impeccable decor, but could definitely be put to use, as well. It is still strong and relatively compact. Solid.
Finding these in such good condition is rare. It has been washed, and can be again.
over 16 meters long, 584 grams
Share this listing and my shop all over the place, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, the local corkboard, tell the cat.
Meow.