Cotton and Hemp

This heavily repaired Sakiori Work Coat is a remarkable example of the ingenuity and craftsmanship that extended the life of everyday garments in rural Japan. Woven with hemp and an indigo dyed cotton weft, the coat has been carefully maintained through repeated repairs over many years of use. Both the front and back are covered with layered cotton patches, each secured by dense rows of undyed hemp stitching that create a richly textured surface. The interior reveals the same meticulous attention to construction, making the garment as visually compelling inside as it is outwardly.

The composition of overlapping indigo textiles produces a striking mosaic of deep blue, slate, and softened gray tones, while the prominent hand stitching records generations of care and resourcefulness. Rather than disguising wear, each repair contributes to the garment’s evolving character, preserving both its function and its history.

Acquired in the historic port city of Obama in Fukui Prefecture, overlooking the Sea of Japan, the coat is presumed to have belonged to a local fisherman. Every patch and line of stitching contributes to the garment’s story, preserving not only its function but also the hands that maintained it over decades of use.