Multi-color blanket of Nanbu split weave made in Aomori Prefecture, early 20th century
Unknown Japaneseexpand_more
Cloth: cotton; Nanbu saki-ori (split weave)expand_more
The John R. Van Derlip Fund and the Mary Griggs Burke Endowment Fund established by the Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke Foundation; purchase from the Thomas Murray Collectionexpand_more 2019.20.67
Not on Viewexpand_more
Technique: Nanbu split weave (Nanbu saki-ori)
This blanket is an extraordinary example of what we now call “upcycling.” The textile maker cut worn cloth into narrow strips and then wove them as the weft, with cotton or hemp threads as the warp. Because the textile that results is very dense, it is ideal for imparting warmth in winter. Peasants in what is today Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan were encouraged by the local Nanbu clan rulers to recycle their worn or damaged cotton garments; thus, this technique is known as Nanbu saki-ori (“Nanbu split-weaving”). Blankets like this one were used as bedding covers or as a cover for a kotatsu, a charcoal brazier placed in the middle of a room as a heating source.
Details
- Title
- Multi-color blanket of Nanbu split weave made in Aomori Prefecture
- Role
- Maker
- Accession Number
- 2019.20.67
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Murray et al. 2018, pl. 119
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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