This is a rare vintage cotton cloth, unstitched by hand from a futon cover made around the mid-Showa period. In ordinary Japanese households, worn bedding was never thrown away. It was taken apart, and the fabric returned to the family as material for something else. This piece is the result of that habit, and of the years of use that came before it.

Based on a plaid pattern, it features a crazy patchwork design made by joining multiple fabrics, giving it a presence that changes appearance depending on the viewing angle. Truly a one-of-a-kind piece.

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The patched areas and hand-stitched repairs seen throughout are traces of a time when people carefully reused fabric, embodying the Japanese aesthetic known as boro. This cloth, worn and repaired over time, transcends mere material and can be regarded as a time-worn art piece.

In recent years boro has gained remarkable recognition overseas, attracting attention in art, design, and fashion. Fabrics with visible repairs and handwork in particular are highly appreciated worldwide by artists and collectors as an expression of wabi-sabi.

It can be enjoyed as a large accent piece hung on a wall, or used as a sofa cover or bed throw. It also has a strong presence as material for upcycled coats and bags. From those who wish to savour the charm of the fabric itself to creators who want to breathe new life into their work, this cloth will spin new stories according to the user's sensibility.

One piece only. This is a genuine vintage textile, and no second example exists. Once it is gone, it will not return to the store.

Product Details

• Era: Around mid-Showa period
• Material: Cotton (a small amount of other fibres may be blended; please judge by the photos)

Size

• Width: approx. 289 cm (113.8 in)
• Height: approx. 154 cm (60.6 in) at the shortest / approx. 173 cm (68.1 in) at the longest

Please allow for slight measurement errors.

Condition

There are some stains, holes, and repairs in various places. Some padding material is attached. Edges are not hemmed and may fray. As this is an old item, please refrain from ordering if you do not understand these conditions.

We have washed the item twice. There is a characteristic vintage odour. Please note that refunds or exchanges will not be accepted due to damage or odour returning after washing or use. Only order if you understand and accept these terms.

Please note that the item will be compressed for shipping, which may cause wrinkles.

Buying From Japan

Every piece at NAMBA SHOUTEN is sourced, inspected, photographed, and shipped by us from Japan. We describe condition honestly, including the flaws, because a vintage textile that hides its history is not worth owning. Orders ship worldwide with tracking.

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For questions about sizing, international shipping, customs, and returns, please visit our FAQ.