Sashiko Boro Textile, presumably from between 1900 and 1930 An extraordinary Japanese cotton textile, its deep indigo blue interwoven with...
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Dimensions: approx. 137 × 125 cm (slight variations possible)
* The textile was only treated with water and then naturally air-dried.
1 in stock.
Shipping from August 17, 2026
Care guide
Care instructions:
We recommend not washing this antique textile if possible.
Should cleaning be necessary, please do not use detergents or other cleaning agents. The textile should only be gently agitated in clear, cold water.
Afterward, absorb excess moisture with a large towel and let the textile air dry flat or hanging in the shade.
Please avoid direct sunlight, as this can lead to the indigo fading.
Sashiko Boro Textile, presumably from between 1900 and 1930
An extraordinary Japanese cotton textile, its deep indigo blue interwoven with delicate white Sashiko embroidery.
Each of the four corners features different traditional patterns, including Asa-no-ha (hemp leaf motif), Shippo (seven treasures pattern), and fan-like radiating ornaments. The deliberate contrast between these richly embroidered areas and the generous open space in the center gives the textile a remarkable balance. The calm expanse of the indigo almost resembles an abstract composition of modern art.
The fabric is made of cotton. The extraordinary depth of the blue suggests traditional dyeing with natural indigo. Over many decades, the fabric has developed a soft feel and a quiet elegance that can only be achieved through time and use.
Numerous repairs and reinforcements are visible on the reverse side. Pieces of fabric in different shades of indigo – from deep blue to violet tones to slightly reddish hues – bear witness to the fact that this textile has been carefully preserved and mended over generations. Each layer tells another chapter of its history.
The cloth was presumably once used as a furoshiki, covering cloth, or storage textile in daily life. Sashiko was far more than mere decoration. The delicate stitches strengthened the fabric and were at the same time an expression of care, protection, and good wishes for the family.
There are some small holes, but these hardly detract from the overall impression. The fabric is overall in remarkably good condition and shows no significant weakening. For a Boro textile of this period, the state of preservation is exceptionally good.
When I discovered this piece at a market, I was immediately fascinated by the depth of its indigo and its quiet allure. It seems as if time itself has been inscribed in this fabric. Generations of hands have cared for it, repaired it, and passed it on.
The traces of unknown people who once wielded needle and thread remain visible to this day. This is precisely where the special beauty of this textile lies.
A rare example of Japanese Mingei culture – at once a collector's item, a historical document, and textile art.
For lovers of Sashiko, Boro, Japanese antiques, and traditionally dyed textiles, this piece offers the rare opportunity to acquire an object with authentic history and exceptional presence.
May this textile continue to live on in its next home and continue its story.
*Signs of age and use are to be understood as part of the history of this textile and give it its distinctive character. Some small holes are present.
Please only purchase this piece if you appreciate the special qualities and traces of an antique textile.
The textile has been gently cleaned with water and naturally air-dried.
