"Boro" Kite by Michael Thompson

2022
$4,880 USD
Make an Offer
Dimensions
W: 39.0" D: 2.0" H: 62.5"
Materials
Materials
Cotton
Bamboo
Muslin
Purchase Quantity
Collection #
CMT223
Estimated Shipping
$488

Chicago-based artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites crafted from split bamboo frames covered with stretched muslin and a collage of vintage Asian ephemera—including fragments of fabric, scrolls, drawings, and books collected during his travels.

This kite entitled "Boro" is patterned with Japanese indigo-dyed fabric scraps, sewn together to form a patchwork of contrasting patterns and shades of blue. The kite's design recreates the traditional practice of Boro stitching, wherein the usable portions of worn-out fabrics are carefully mended and stitched together to create new and unexpected textiles. More than just a cost-saving measure, Boro stitching lovingly honors the original materials by giving them new life.

Thompson has earned an international reputation for his kite works, an engrossing project initiated by the artist more than a decade ago.

Split bamboo, muslin, cotton, thread.

Questions? Ask us
Michael Thompson

b. 1951

Based in Chicago, IL, contemporary artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites, collages and mixed media works assembled from material fragments of past & present. 

His body of work spans across a range of art forms, from experimental postal art to paper collage to sculptures assembled from scrap metal and ceramic shards.

Regardless of the medium, each of Thompson’s works is layered with fragments of past lives and bygone memories, measured in the form of antique fabric remnants, printed ephemera and other found elements collected during his travels.

READ MORE

 

What They're Saying

Mick de Giulio | de Giulio kitchen design

“I love working with PAGODA RED. When I’m looking for something distinctive for one of my clients, I can be sure I’ll find it there. Betsy has an incredible eye for the beautiful and unique and she continues to offer one of the best collections of Chinese furniture and decorative art.”

Receive our weekly email on design &
creating memorable spaces