Syndicate contentMichel May

Hello Rugrabbit Community,

My name is Michel and I have great fun collecting old indigo cotton textile fabrics from Japan. To me, they are beautiful because they are a stark reminder of the superficial times we live in now, where things are just made to be thrown out soon, and we toil to keep the wheel of consumerism spinning. "Boros" as they are called are an artful reminder of how precious material used to be. Most items I have are from around 1850 to 1900, worn decades sometimes by family members over several generations. The high material quality (which was achieved using a sophisticated weaving and dying process) has made it possible that the fabrics are in great condition and the colors are still vivid today.

For my main job, I travel around Japan constantly. Whenever I have time I check out small antique markets or buy privately from folks I have to come known over the years in the countryside. I know how valuable Japanese indigo boro items have become and they are getting less and less. Even prices in Tokyo have been soaring. While I have few items to sell (check out my japanborovintage.com for the entire collection) I only get what I believe to be very high quality at a reasonable price.

I want to share the artful process and the message they carry and I am interested in fostering a relationship with people interested in them.

Yoroshiku,

Michel

  • As far as the beauty of faded indigo can go, this item is absolutely stunning. The cloth is more than 100 years ... read more
    price:  490

  • a wonderful farmer's jacket in perfect condition. Especially desirable due to its beautiful collar. This jacket from Aomori was worn by a ... read more
    price:  1180

  • Neat little farmer's vest. Despite some holes, it is in good condition and could still be worn. The jacket is beautifully worn ... read more
    price:  790

  • a beautiful antique room divider or entrance curtain (noren) with traditional ornamentation and cherry blossom motive in sashiko stitching. The fabric is ... read more
    price:  380

  • a celebratory red flag used in the year 1958 at the Fukuouji temple in Hiroshima. The flag shows the crest of the ... read more
    price:  250

  • a long kimono in splendid condition. It is rare to find such long boro kimonos. It makes for a very handsome piece ... read more
    price:  1450

  • Highly desirable fabrics such as this one have become rare due to an ever larger demand in recent years. Made from various ... read more
    price:  640

  • a stunning fisherman's coat from Aomori. a thickly woven jacket worn by a fisherman, probably a man with a higher rank. The ... read more
    price:  2950

  • Right when you look at it, the different blue tones of this blanket have a gentle captivating vibe. The fabric is very ... read more
    price:  735