The word “Boro (襤褸）” is often misinterpreted (mis-translated) in English. I shar

The word “Boro (襤褸）” is often misinterpreted (mis-translated) in English. I share many stories about Boro here and there. One critical message is that “Boro” never becomes a verb in Japanese. 

☆

Not so long ago, dealers redefined the value of Boro. Today, “Boro” became a very expensive piece of fabric. It is natural to have super expensive pricing on it since it requires unbelievable hours of stitching to make a good Boro. Boro isn’t just patchwork with recycled fabric. It is a result of repetitive Sashiko in necessity – I call it layers of caring (& shame). 

☆

Therefore, many say it is impossible to make an authentic Boro. I agree. Therefore, many “display” Boro instead of wearing because it is incredibly challenging to fix. However, ideally speaking, Boro should be “used” in the ordinary, like we do not enjoy a delicious miso-soup by just looking at it, you gotta eat (wear) it to experience the truth.

☆

In order to tell this message, my mother and I have this Boro Jacket as a social experiment – to see if we can create the authentic Boro & share what it is like to “wear” Boro. I always encourage my friends to wear it. Many feel “it (something words cannot describe well)”. Outside, we intend to keep the “mono-tone” as if it is one sheet of fabric. Inside, numbers of patches to keep it as wearable. (Second photo is the inside as I often share). Boro is not a technique. It is a voice of people lived in Japan. I hope this jacket will be one of authentic Boro with sharing the spirit of it.

☆

–

–

–

☆

顔出しついでにもう一枚。夏が終わり、寒くなると、またこの襤褸の出番がきます。使い勝手が良いわけではないので（本来外の作業着。でも水を吸っちゃうで、寒くて乾いた日のみ使用）、使い込んでいるわけではないのですが、ゆっくりと丁寧に襤褸を育てています。実は、「社会実験としての襤褸」として、ガンガン使い込んで、もっと”ぼろぼろ”にする予定だったのですが、恵子さんの意地がここかしこに見えるので、僕の針を通すのを少し躊躇ってしまっています。「淳が米国で襤褸を紹介するなら、私が作った襤褸がないと話にならんでしょ」と。うん。その通りで、だからこそ、このままでも良いかなぁと甘える自分がいたりします。本来の襤褸の存在意義からすると、ぼろぼろにしなきゃなんですけどね。実の母親作の襤褸ですら、針を通せない。他人様作の襤褸に針（腕）を通すには、まだまだ修行が必要です。

☆

2020-09-13 10:22:00

Source