Japan - Textile - 175 cm - 125 cm - Boro Hand-dyed hemp

Antique Japanese Hemp Mosquito Net (Kaya) — Boro, Hand-dyed, Meiji–Taisho Era

This is an authentic Japanese kaya (蚊帳), a hand-dyed hemp mosquito net dating from the Meiji to Taisho period (circa 1868–1926). Before modern screens and insecticides, these large woven nets were suspended around sleeping areas throughout Japan, especially in the humid summer months, to protect families from mosquitoes while allowing air to circulate freely through the open weave.

This particular piece is dyed a deep, mottled green — a colour achieved through natural dyeing techniques passed down through generations of rural households. Over decades of daily use, the hemp fibres have softened and the colour has faded unevenly, giving the fabric a rich, atmospheric patina that cannot be reproduced artificially.

What makes this textile especially compelling is its transformation into boro (襤褸) — the Japanese tradition of mending and reinforcing well-loved textiles rather than discarding them. Visible throughout the cloth are hand-stitched sashiko repairs, small patches, and reinforced seams: quiet evidence of the mottainai philosophy (avoiding waste) that shaped everyday life in pre-industrial Japan. Each repair tells its own story of frugality, resourcefulness, and care, qualities that have made boro textiles highly sought after among collectors and textile artists worldwide.

The fabric remains sturdy despite its age, with a coarse, breathable open weave typical of hemp mosquito netting. Consistent with an item of this age and function, there is light overall soiling, a few small holes, and several areas of visible sashiko repair. The piece has been washed and pressed prior to listing.

Details

Material: Hand-dyed hemp
Dimensions: approx. 175 cm (L) x 125 cm (W)
Origin: Japan
Period: Meiji–Taisho era (circa 1868–1926)
Condition: Good, with visible sashiko repairs and minor wear consistent with age and use

A wonderful addition for collectors of Japanese folk textiles, boro, or antique hemp cloth — equally at home framed as wall art, used as an interior textile accent, or preserved as a piece of Japanese textile history.

Shipping: Carefully packed and shipped via Fedex, DHL or EMS with tracking and insurance.

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Please note that as of 1 July 2026, the EU has abolished the de minimis customs exemption.
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