A Large, Complex, Beautifully Stitched Boro Futon Cover
Written on February 12, 2011
I’m crazy about the boro futon cover I”m showing today and it’s a wonder that I haven’t yet posted it on this blog. In a way I have, because it’s the source for the blog’s banner, above, but I think it merits a closer look–and a bit of appreciation.
It’s a big bear of a thing, with large, contrasting patches of blue and brown cottons and fantastically marvelous meanderings of mending stitches.
The indigo dyed cottons are old pieces that are hand woven from hand spun cotton yarns. Some of the brown patches date to the early twentieth century. Note the kasuri flower patch, below. It looks as if it is niko niko kasuri, a kind of semi-mechanized ikat cloth that was produced in the early twentieth century.
The back of the futon cover–which would have been the proper, outside of the textile when in use–is beautifully battered.
This beauty measures 79″ x 64″ or 200.5 cm x 162.5 cm.
Now I see why you’ve been keeping this one aside … it’s stunning. I love the light/dark contrast stitching depending on the value of the fabric. Whoever mended this, clearly had an eye.
February 12, 2011 @ 9:48 pm
Exquisite…every square inch of it!
Thank you for the peek :>]
February 12, 2011 @ 11:40 pm
this is crazy beautiful. so much like a painting….
fantastic posting as always!
February 14, 2011 @ 7:52 pm
cool threads
February 15, 2011 @ 7:09 pm
Sen-sa-tion-aLL — again many thanks for showing beauty.
February 15, 2011 @ 7:40 pm
when even i find myself with less imagery in my mind, i visit your blog, and i have never left without saying “beautiful” even once. Thanks a lot for sharing such precious pieces.
February 16, 2011 @ 6:46 am
I find this so very inspiring. Your comments and beautiful photographs are really appreciated. Thank you v much.
February 18, 2011 @ 9:58 am
This is so beautiful, I want to reach in and run my fingers across the stitching. I love the stitching that veers away from the mending to add a fleeting creative “something” to the task of trying to keep this fabulous thing going just a little longer.
February 18, 2011 @ 6:41 pm
It’s gorgeous and I’ve got this linked to my DIY denim post too today, for inspiration!
October 28, 2013 @ 10:42 am