Into the Deep

Acquired
Into the Deep

Into the Deep is all about the wear in the cloth. It’s an antique Japanese boro indigo cotton scarf with an extremely satisfying amount of distress, sashiko stitching, and patching.

Both sides carry extensive original sashiko stitching, along with additional sashiko I added where the fabric needed reinforcement. There are at least two layers of fabric throughout, with the patched areas building up even more layers across much of the scarf.

I secured the raw ends with a row of horizontal sashiko stitching to keep them from fraying further.

It measures 84" × 8". There are also a couple of gauzy areas where the cotton becomes slightly sheer when held up to the light.
Into the Deep
Into the Deep
Into the Deep
Into the Deep

Nearby works

Other works from the studio

Nearby works that carry the same language of wear, repair, and time.

Inlets

Inlets

Inlets began with two Japanese boro noragi vest fragments from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. I was drawn to the icy faded blues and the incredible texture. The plaid and striped patterns show through the layers, and it feels like everything the fabric went through is still right there on the surface.

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Mantle

Mantle

I made Mantle with two sides that feel different but belong together. The more textured side is made mostly from a deconstructed pair of Japanese monpe pants from the mid to late 1800s. I was drawn to the icy blue mixed with a soft yellowed patina, and the worn areas where the darker indigo shows through. I kept the patchwork and repairs visible and reinforced everything so it can continue to be worn.

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Beneath

Beneath

Beneath came together from many Japanese boro fragments, including a long noragi jacket from the 1800s that I deconstructed. I peeled back layers on several of the pieces to see what was underneath. I was especially excited when I found the fabric with the three faces. I had never come across a print like that before. It was a nice surprise.

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