Japan
Late 19th century / early 20th century
Hemp
74″ x 58″

“This is the world of utility. There is no avoiding reality, no way of escaping it, for the sole purpose of these objects is to serve people’s needs. But to think of them as nothing but physical objects would be an error…They are rooted in the earth, deeply tied to the earthly life of honest, hardworking people, the recipients of the blessings of heaven.” Soetsu Yanagi, The Beauty of Everyday Things.

This delicately patched and dyed kaya, or mosquito net, is made from finely woven hemp fibers. Mosquito netting was used in many Japanese homes to shield the bed from mosquitos and the sweltering summer humidity. When a section was torn, it was simply mended with a fragment of kaya or other fabric remnants.

On view and available at Lawton Mull from May 21st until June 25th 2025 as part of our collaborative exhibition with Sri, ORDINARY SPLENDOR.