Skip to main content
Items Similar to "BORO" Japanese Antique Indigo cotton&ramie Patchwork / 19th century Wabi-Sabi
Japanese Antique "BORO" Edo period 1800s-1860s / Rag Abstract Art Wabi-Sabi
Japanese Antique "BORO" Edo period 1800s-1860s / Rag Abstract Art Wabi-Sabi
Antique Japanese washi paper tapestry /Meiji-Taisho period/ Wabi-sabi art piece
Antique Japanese washi paper tapestry /Meiji-Taisho period/ Wabi-sabi art piece
1870s Japanese Antique Wabi-Sabi Abstract Panel・Layered Washi Kakishibu Tapestry
1870s Japanese Antique Wabi-Sabi Abstract Panel・Layered Washi Kakishibu Tapestry
1930s Japanese Pre-War Military Boro Patchwork Blanket・Vintage Textile Wall Art
1930s Japanese Pre-War Military Boro Patchwork Blanket・Vintage Textile Wall Art
"BORO" Japanese Antique Indigo dyed ramie Patchwork 19`c/ Sashiko Rag Wabi-Sabi
"BORO" Japanese Antique Indigo dyed ramie Patchwork 19`c/ Sashiko Rag Wabi-Sabi
"SASHIKO" Japanese Anthique Quilt・Rag・Tapestry・Blanket / 1900s Wabi-Sabi BORO
"SASHIKO" Japanese Anthique Quilt・Rag・Tapestry・Blanket / 1900s Wabi-Sabi BORO
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 22

"BORO" Japanese Antique Indigo cotton&ramie Patchwork / 19th century Wabi-Sabi

$2,800
£2,112.89
€2,459.10
CA$3,952.85
A$3,967.22
CHF 2,313.41
MX$48,229.84
NOK 26,583.36
SEK 27,339.63
DKK 18,381.50

About the Item

This extraordinary, large-scale Japanese antique Boro textile—dating from the late Edo (Bakumatsu) to the Meiji period (mid-to-late 19th century)—originated from Yamagata Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Northern Japan. Measuring an impressive 171 x 161 cm, this piece serves as a magnificent, museum-quality wall tapestry that bridges historical necessity with contemporary abstract art. What sets this Boro apart is its incredible materiality and arresting visual rhythm. Woven from a blend of indigenous cotton and wild ramie (Choma), it tells the story of survival in Tohoku’s harsh winters during a period of immense historical transition. As visible in the ramie fibers retain a subtle, breathtaking metallic luster when they catch the light, creating a stark, poetic contrast with the deep indigo cotton. Furthermore, this piece offers two entirely different aesthetic experiences on its front and back sides, allowing it to be displayed as a reversible masterpiece. The front side is a dynamic patchwork quilt composed of various indigo-dyed stripes, solids, and checked patterns stitched together with precision(SASHIKO). The reverse side offers a bolder, minimalist composition featuring large horizontal bands of deep indigo and earth-toned striped panels. Authentic Boro textiles of this substantial size and exceptional compositional balance dating back to the Bakumatsu and Meiji eras are becoming exceedingly rare on the global art market. In Western interior design, Boro is highly sought after as a form of "accidental abstract expressionism"—resembling the modernist canvases of Mark Rothko or early avant-garde patchworks, yet born from generations of mindful repair and utility. Its combination of profound nineteenth-century history, large dimensions suitable for prominent walls, and dual-sided versatility makes it a premier investment for high-end collectors and interior designers. The textile possesses a tactile softness and a beautiful color balance. The shades of natural indigo range from deep midnight blue to faded denim, punctuated by warm, earthy brown checks and stripes. In terms of physical attributes, the textile is relatively thin, measuring approximately 0.5 cm in thickness. Because it is not bulky or overly heavy, it is exceptionally lightweight for its size, making it remarkably easy and safe to hang on any wall without causing structural strain. Regarding its condition, this piece is in excellent antique state for a historical Boro from this early period. As an item mended over decades, it features intentional raw edges, fraying, historical abrasions, and patches , all of which are considered essential to its character rather than flaws. It has been professionally cleaned and stabilized. Please note that a slight, characteristic antique scent remains, which is natural for organic fabrics of this age. It is ready to be immediately displayed as a wall tapestry. Boro (literally "rags" or "scraps") was born out of extreme necessity in the impoverished, freezing northern regions of Japan like Yamagata. During the late Edo and Meiji periods, cotton was a precious luxury that could not grow locally in the north. Every scrap of fabric—whether cotton brought by trading ships (Kitamaebune) or hand-spun hemp and ramie—was painstakingly saved, layered, and stitched together using Sashiko embroidery to extend its life over generations. Today, Boro is celebrated globally as a profound symbol of Mottainai (the philosophy of wastefulness prevention) and a stunning example of utilitarian textile art. Material: Indigo-dyed antique Cotton and wild Ramie (Choma) Period: Late Edo (Bakumatsu) to Meiji Period (Mid-to-Late 19th Century) Provenance: Yamagata Prefecture, Tohoku Region, Japan Dimensions: 171 x 161 cm (approx. 67.3 x 63.4 inches) Thickness: Approximately 0.5 cm (0.2 inches) — Lightweight and easy to hang. Condition Note: Retains a slight antique scent typical of historical textiles. Features natural wear, abrasions, and patches essential to true Boro. Display Note: Equipped for use as a wall tapestry. Best displayed hung away from continuous direct sunlight to preserve the organic indigo dyes and antique plant fibers.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 63.39 in (161.02 cm)Width: 67.32 in (171 cm)Depth: 0.2 in (5.08 mm)
  • Style:
    Edo (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Cotton,Hemp,Linen,Natural Fiber,Hand-Crafted,Hand-Woven
  • Place of Origin:
    Japan
  • Period:
    Mid-19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1800~1900
  • Condition:
    Although there are signs of wear and tear due to age, there is no significant damage, and it is in good condition for an antique item.
  • Seller Location:
    足利市, JP
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: RC-0041stDibs: LU10977250827352

More From This Seller

View All
"BORO" Japanese Antique Indigo dyed ramie Patchwork 19`c/ Sashiko Rag Wabi-Sabi

"BORO" Japanese Antique Indigo dyed ramie Patchwork 19`c/ Sashiko Rag Wabi-Sabi

"BORO" Japanese Antique Indigo dyed ramie Patchwork 19`c/ Sashiko Rag Wabi-Sabi

Located in 足利市, JP

This remarkable piece is a beautiful example of antique Japanese Boro (boro-boro) or Futonji (futon cover textile), heavily featuring traditional indigo-dyed stripe patterns (Shima-m...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Textiles

Materials

Cotton, Hemp, Natural Fiber

Japanese Antique Indigo Dyed cotton textile/Hanging Cloth/Tapestry・Wabisabi Zen

Japanese Antique Indigo Dyed cotton textile/Hanging Cloth/Tapestry・Wabisabi Zen

Japanese Antique Indigo Dyed cotton textile/Hanging Cloth/Tapestry・Wabisabi Zen

Located in 足利市, JP

An exceptional and visually striking piece of Japanese textile art from the late Edo period (mid-19th century): an authentic, hand-loomed 藍染 (Aizome / Natural Indigo) Furoshiki (wrap...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Edo Textiles

Materials

Cotton, Natural Fiber

"SASHIKO" Japanese Anthique Quilt・Rag・Tapestry・Blanket / 1900s Wabi-Sabi BORO

"SASHIKO" Japanese Anthique Quilt・Rag・Tapestry・Blanket / 1900s Wabi-Sabi BORO

"SASHIKO" Japanese Anthique Quilt・Rag・Tapestry・Blanket / 1900s Wabi-Sabi BORO

Located in 足利市, JP

An extraordinarily rare and highly graphic example of early 20th-century Japanese textile art: an authentic 刺し子 (Sashiko) Hand-Stitched Reversible Multi-Purpose Cover / Quilt, dating...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Textiles

Materials

Cotton

1870s Japanese Antique Wabi-Sabi Abstract Panel・Layered Washi Kakishibu Tapestry

1870s Japanese Antique Wabi-Sabi Abstract Panel・Layered Washi Kakishibu Tapestry

1870s Japanese Antique Wabi-Sabi Abstract Panel・Layered Washi Kakishibu Tapestry

Located in 足利市, JP

An extraordinarily rare and evocative piece of 19th-century Japanese design history: an authentic, hand-crafted 柿渋 (Kakishibu / Persimmon Tannin) utilitarian wrapping paper panel, pr...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Paintings and Screens

Materials

Paper

1930s Japanese Pre-War Military Boro Patchwork Blanket・Vintage Textile Wall Art

1930s Japanese Pre-War Military Boro Patchwork Blanket・Vintage Textile Wall Art

1930s Japanese Pre-War Military Boro Patchwork Blanket・Vintage Textile Wall Art

Located in 足利市, JP

A raw, powerful, and historically significant example of Japanese industrial textile art: an authentic Pre-WWII Pre-War Japanese Military / Civilian Canvas Boro Patchwork Blanket, da...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Textiles

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Japanese Antique Wabi-Sabi Abstract Panel・Layered Washi Kakishibu Tapestry/1870s

Japanese Antique Wabi-Sabi Abstract Panel・Layered Washi Kakishibu Tapestry/1870s

Japanese Antique Wabi-Sabi Abstract Panel・Layered Washi Kakishibu Tapestry/1870s

Located in 足利市, JP

An exceptionally rare and artistically profound piece of Japanese cultural history: a hand-crafted Yuton (oiled paper) textile panel, meticulously produced in Kyoto circa 1872 (Meiji...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Meiji Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper, Natural Fiber

You May Also Like

Boro0 Japanese Antiques Primitive Art BORO Indigo-dyed patchwork Old Cloth

Boro0 Japanese Antiques Primitive Art BORO Indigo-dyed patchwork Old Cloth

Boro0 Japanese Antiques Primitive Art BORO Indigo-dyed patchwork Old Cloth

Located in Niiza, JP

Material: cotton Width 1550 x Height 1700 x Depth 10 mm (about) weight 5 kg estimate Packaging (It will be rolled or folded and shipped in bubble wrap and cardboard.) 50cm x 50cm x...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Japanese Textiles

Materials

Cotton

Boro4 Japanese Antiques Primitive Art BORO Indigo-dyed Old Cloth patchwork

Boro4 Japanese Antiques Primitive Art BORO Indigo-dyed Old Cloth patchwork

Boro4 Japanese Antiques Primitive Art BORO Indigo-dyed Old Cloth patchwork

Located in Niiza, JP

Material: cotton fabric Width 1850 x Height 1500 (about) weight 900g estimate Packaging (It will be rolled or folded and shipped in bubble wrap and cardboard.) 27 cm x 45 cm x 20 cm...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Antiquities

Materials

Fabric, Cotton

Boro5 Japanese Antiques Primitive Art BORO Indigo-dyed Old Cloth patchwork

Boro5 Japanese Antiques Primitive Art BORO Indigo-dyed Old Cloth patchwork

Boro5 Japanese Antiques Primitive Art BORO Indigo-dyed Old Cloth patchwork

Located in Niiza, JP

Material: cotton fabric Width 1550 x Height 1450 (about) weight 4 kg estimate Packaging (It will be rolled or folded and shipped in bubble wrap and cardboard.) 45 cm x 55 cm x 20 cm...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Antiquities

Materials

Fabric, Cotton

Boro6 Japanese Antiques Primitive Art BORO Indigo-dyed Old Cloth patchwork

Boro6 Japanese Antiques Primitive Art BORO Indigo-dyed Old Cloth patchwork

Boro6 Japanese Antiques Primitive Art BORO Indigo-dyed Old Cloth patchwork

Located in Niiza, JP

Material: cotton fabric Width 1600 x Height 1480 (about) weight 4 kg estimate Packaging (It will be rolled or folded and shipped in bubble wrap and cardboard.) 45 cm x 55 cm x 20 cm...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Antiquities

Materials

Fabric, Cotton

Antique Japanese Boro Cotton Patchwork Textile / Indigo-dyed fabric tapestry

Antique Japanese Boro Cotton Patchwork Textile / Indigo-dyed fabric tapestry

Antique Japanese Boro Cotton Patchwork Textile / Indigo-dyed fabric tapestry

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This is a Japanese boro (patched cotton textile) that was actually used in a farmhouse in Showa Village, in the Okuaizu region of Fukushima Prefecture. It is thought to date from the...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Textiles

Materials

Cotton

Boro1 Japanese Antiques Primitive Art BORO Indigo-dyed Old Cloth patchwork

Boro1 Japanese Antiques Primitive Art BORO Indigo-dyed Old Cloth patchwork

Boro1 Japanese Antiques Primitive Art BORO Indigo-dyed Old Cloth patchwork

Located in Niiza, JP

Material: cotton Width 1550 x Height 1500 x Depth 10 mm (about) weight 2 kg estimate Packaging (It will be rolled or folded and shipped in bubble wrap and cardboard.) 45 cm x 45 cm ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Textiles

Materials

Cotton