BORE/SASHIKO

This piece is a one-of-a-kind item crafted using a unique technique developed in Akita Prefecture during the Meiji and Taisho eras. It incorporates hemp as the weft thread into traditional BORO and SASHIKO textiles, achieving a rare combination of strength, practicality, and beauty.

During the Meiji period (1868–1912), Japanese clothing culture was undergoing a major transition from traditional garments to Western-style clothing. However, for the common people and farmers, everyday wear largely remained traditional. Most people wore simple cotton or hemp garments, often dyed with indigo or patterned with stripes or kasuri (ikat). Depending on the season, they would wear padded hanten or dotera in the winter, and unlined kimono in the summer.

In rural areas, functional and durable clothing made from cotton or hemp was common, especially for farm work. These garments were often reinforced with SASHIKO stitching to prolong their use. Practical accessories included straw sandals, split-toe socks (tabi), and headwear such as tenugui (hand towels) or straw hats suited to local tasks and climates.

The Taisho period (1912–1926) saw modernization spread throughout Japan, but traditional self-sufficient lifestyles continued in many rural villages. In cold regions like Akita, textiles were extremely valuable, and it was customary to repair and reuse fabrics over generations. This gave birth to the cultural practice of “BORO” – garments made by layering and mending old cloth.

SASHIKO stitching on BORO textiles was initially a practical technique for warmth and reinforcement. Over time, the repeated hand-stitching evolved into geometric patterns, giving rise to a raw yet refined beauty. Especially during the farming off-season in winter, women would carefully hand-stitch garments for their families, embedding responsibility, prayer, and warmth into every thread.

In Meiji-era Japan, everyday clothing in farming communities was humble and utilitarian. Out of necessity and frugality, the BORO culture of mending and preserving cloth emerged. Hemp, a traditional Japanese plant fiber, played a vital role as a widely used material. Known for its durability, breathability, and moisture absorption, hemp was ideal for garments that needed to withstand long-term use.

In BORO production, hemp was primarily used as the weft (horizontal thread). The choice of hemp for the weft was due to its strength and ability to resist wear, as lateral threads experience more friction. While softer cotton was typically used for vertical warp threads for comfort, the structural durability of hemp ensured the longevity of the garment.

Additionally, hemp fibers soften with washing and develop a richer texture over time, making the fabric more beautiful the longer it is worn. This balance of practicality and aesthetics shows that BORO was not just a symbol of poverty, but also of creativity and regeneration.

Label: Unknown

Actual Measurements:

Shoulder Width: 51.5cm

Body Width: 61.5cm

Length: 70.5cm

Sleeve Length: 00.0cm

Condition: No notable damage.

【Important Information】

Please note that all products, including Antique and Used items, may have signs of wear such as fading, fraying, repairs, and missing accessories. These are considered part of the design (or normal wear for used items), so please purchase with that understanding.
Even for Dead Stock or brand-new, unused items, there may be minor scuffs, scratches, or stains due to storage conditions.
Fabric texture may vary slightly between items.
Colors may fade slightly with wear.
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Since measurements are taken by hand, slight discrepancies may occur.
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There may be slight differences (about 1-4 cm) between the listed measurements and the actual size.
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