Amazing boro made of hand-spun and vegetable indigo dye cotton fragments. It used to be the lining of yogi, which is one kind of futon, in the shape of kimono. It is from the Japan Sea side district in Kansai, such as Fukui or Kyoto. It is partly sewn with hemp yarn. Late 19th to early 20th century. W:95cm, L:165cm

Maekake (apron) made of Ohmi jofu which is hand-woven of hemp with kasuri pattern. Weft kasuri yarns are clamp-board dye, so that it has bar-code like white lines in both selvedges. In excellent condition except for both white cotton belts have dirt. Late 19th to early 20th century. W:66cm, L73cm

Fireman's hanten made of thick cotton and hand-stitched sashiko (quilting). It has hand painted "Edo Machi Hikeshi" (town fireman) with "Matoi" which was hold by fireman to show his own "Kumi", brigade. It also has hand painted birds and waves design inside. 19th century. In good condition. W:118cm, L:91cm

Kajibanten (fireman's jacket) with sashiko, made of cotton. It has hand-drawn "shachi" motif, which is a mythical carp with the head of a lion and the body of a fish and it is an auspicious protecter. Generally, in good condition but some wear in the neck and brownish stain near hem. 19th century. W:122cm, L:87cm

Hemp furoshiki with tsutsugaki tai (sea bream) and bamboo design, whose wefts and warps are hand plied. The family crest is Maruni-Katabami-Mon. Katabami is perennial plant, named oxalis. Hand-sewn but both hems are machine sewn. The sewing machine was already imported in late Edo period and probably it was used widely in Meiji period (1868∼1912). In good condition except for a few spots. Meiji period. Made in Kyushu. W:95cm, L:110cm

Cotton cloth, called "yu-age”, which is used for a newborn baby. It is ordered by parents of a mother as a congratulatory gift. It has tsutsugaki auspicious motifs, such as a crane, a turtle, pine tree, plum blooms and bamboos. Red part in the top corner is for wiping baby's face, because red color is thought to be good for baby's eyes. It is from Izumo region in Shimane prefecture. In good condition, but the red and indigo blue are a bit faded. Meiji period (1868∼1912）65㎝ x 103cm

Amazing boro sodenashi (sleeveless) noragi, whose ground cloth as well as mending patches are mostly vegetable indigo dye cotton cloth. Some of sashiko yarns are indigo dye hemp. Late 19th century. It is from Niigata prefecture. W:62cm, L:80cm

Tokimono (kimono textile, unseamed and washed) of unlined summer kimono with katazome (stencil-resist-dye) Ryusui-mon (running water) design. It is made of hemp and gauze weave. Two pieces of cloth for bodies have tow slits (10cm) in the middle, for necks. Generally, in good condition but one panel, one front side has some light stain, however not serious from outside, and also one of a sleeve has a brown spot. Early 20th century...

Floor cushion cover (zabuton-gawa) made of choma (ramie) whose warps and wefts are hand-plied. It has beautiful katazome (stencil-resist-dye) bamboo motif. The white ground katazome is called "Jishiro" which is rather rare than indigo ground one. It has also nice cloth with stripes for lining, whose warps are cotton and wefts are ramie. Probably made in Echigo, now Niigata prefecture. In excellent condition. The second half of the 19th century. 64cm x 68.5cm

Futonji (bedding) with tsutsugaki phoenix and paulownia tree design which is made of hand-spun cotton and vegetable indigo dye and colored with pigments. Phoenix is an imaginary and sacred bird by Chinese lore which perches on paulownia tree and eats fruits of bamboo. Tsutsugaki technique is excellent with fine freehand line. In excellent condition. Meiji period. 134cm x 162cm

Kake-fukusa, a gift cover, used on the occasion of auspicious events. It is made of tapestry weave silk with two performers motif, one is wearing Daikoku costume with a gavel. Two men look Kado-tsuke, strolling musicians or performers who play dancing and music in front of houses and get some money. In good condition but damage in the black Eboshi (hat) of the man with a fan. Meiji period (1868~1912) 62cm x 67cm

Kake-fukusa which is used to cover a gift on the occasion of auspicious events. It is made of tapestry weave silk with auspicious omen motifs, pine tree, plum tree with bloom and bamboo. Generally, in good condition except for a rift of the black yarn in the pine tree circle and some stains in the blue ground, and also three holes in the red silk lining in the back. Meiji period (1868~1912) 67cm x 72cm

Kake-Fukusa, a gift cover made of tapestry weave silk with carp and stream design. It is used to cover a gift on the auspicious event. The family crest (kamon) is Umebachi-mon. Four tassels are metal yarn. Generally, in good condition, but has light stains in blue ground and white waves. Meiji period (1868~1912) 63xm x 63cm

This is a Japanese antique Edo Period tsutsugaki fireman sashiko coat textile. It is an item with the long and thickness that is very firm. Sashiko-cloth is sewn on the back and collar to represent affiliation and status. His position is sub-chief. It has a taste of the Edo period's long-term use.A bold rain dragon design. It is said that the dragon summons rain and extinguishes great fires. There are light stains ,fading and scuffs from age, but they are not noticeable...

This is a Bakumatsu item. This hemp Tsutsugaki Noren was used by merchants who handled horses, which was an important means of transportation from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji period. This Noren was used in front of the eaves, so it has some discoloration and light stains, but it has been carefully stored. The items are very rare and very valuable. The letters of "Otsu Higashimachi" are the letters of a spell to ward off horse plagues...

This is a japanese antique Edo period (1800-1867)hemp Buddhist Shugensha hanten coat worn by Shugen practitioners and Yamabushi who practiced Shugendo. Shugendo is a unique Japanese religion that combines Buddhism, Shinto and the worship of nature (mountains). It has some light stains and one very small hole, but is in very good condition. Size::Length :90 cm (35.3 inch) / Sleeve to sleeve :128 cm (50.3 inch)

Furoshiki (wrapping cloth) with tsutsugaki auspicious motifs of seven treasures (takara-zukushi), which is made of hand-woven cotton and vegetable indigo dye. Tsutsugaki is paste-resist-dye and colors are added with mostly pigments. Treasures are: sacred jems, cloves, a lucky mullet, a hiding hat, a coat, citruses and so on. It is made in Kyushu in Meiji period (1868～1912)　In good condition except for three mending patches and some tiny holes. 94cm x 124cm

This is a rare hand-spun natural Shina-fu ( linden)boro bag from the Meiji period (1868-1911). It was originally a stiff material, but it softened after being used many times. The repair marks are cotton fabric and hemp thread. linden cloth naturally turn dark brown over time due to the tannins in the fibers of these trees. There are stains and repair marks. Size: Length: 51cm (20") / Width: 33cm (12.9").