Boro: Japanese Folk Fabric Made New

Boro is the clothing that was worn by peasants, merchants or artisans in Japan from Edo up to early Showa (17th – early 19th century). In feudal times, the majority were peasant farmers. Not everyone could afford the lavish silk kimono and vivid obi worn by the aristocracy. Clothes were crafted from cheaper materials, but were no less beautiful than those worn by the upper classes

The beauty of boro fabric is the highly sophisticated sewing and weaving techniques used by the women who made it.  For peasant families, each garment would last long enough to be passed down through generations. Daily use would require frequent repair.