SASHIKO BORO ARCHIVE,
A tactile collection of vintage Japanese folk textiles.
SASHIKO BORO ARCHIVE is a small gallery located on the second floor of SASHIKO.LAB in Kyoto.
The collection focuses on vintage Japanese folk textiles, including sashiko, boro, workwear, furoshiki, and everyday garments that were once used throughout rural Japan.
Rather than viewing these textiles as works of art alone, we see them as traces of ordinary lives—cloth shaped by necessity, care, repair, and repeated use over time.
The Collection
What You Will Find
The collection includes regional sashiko garments, boro textiles, wedding furoshiki, work clothing, and other everyday textiles from across Japan.
Together, these pieces reveal how cloth was used, repaired, adapted, and passed down through generations. Visitors can explore differences in materials, stitching techniques, patterns, and local traditions while gaining insight into the lives that shaped them.
A Different Way of Looking
Touching History
Unlike most museums, all textiles in the archive may be viewed at close range and carefully handled. Visitors are encouraged to explore the texture, weight, and construction of each piece through direct observation and touch.
A viewing station equipped with linen testers is also available, allowing visitors to examine weaving structures, stitch density, and the remarkable craftsmanship found in these textiles.
By looking closely, it becomes possible to appreciate not only the patterns and techniques, but also the hands, decisions, and everyday lives woven into the cloth over generations.
Visitor Information
Location : Second Floor, SASHIKO.LAB
Admission : 1,000 JPY
Workshop participants : Free admission
Opening Days : Same schedule as SASHIKO.LAB
Photography : Non-flash photography permitted unless otherwise noted.
Accessibility : The gallery is located on the second floor and is accessible only by stairs.