Our Story
222 THE BACKYARD began handcrafting in 2014. With the use of vintage indigo fabric as media, we aim to create something aesthetically sustainable.
Currently growing Boro Bonsai as an Art Decor, we promote collaboration between traditional Japanese boro craftsmanship and tropical caudiciform plants in the multicultural concrete jungles, Hong Kong & London.
Materials we use:
The traditional Japanese indigo fabric has more than hundreds of years history. This colth of cultural heritage was dyed naturally for an indigo color with components that can repel insects and inhibit bacteria. The blue color was permitted for commoners to wear, which distinguishing them from the samurai and noble classes at that moment.
‘Boro’ could be translated as ragged or tattered. It represents grassroots civilians - for early Japanese who lack cotton fabric, the garments were continually mended and passed down over generations. Every layer with its own unique story
Bonsai we sew:
Bonsai is the ancient Eastern art of depicting artistically-formed trees and plants in miniature size. Sampling from our favorite plant shapes, we use treasured fabrics to create indoor decorations regardless of the season or weather.
With our hands, we cut & sew vintage fabric, creating everlasting plants: Boro Bonsai. They require no water, but will fade and change with sunlight over the years.
It all started in the concrete jungle, Hong Kong.
Unable to have a backyard garden, we used our hands to create a garden in our hearts.
The man loved bonsai, but bonsai did not like the sunless small room;
the woman thereafter used the most precious fabrics at home, sewing everlasting bonsai with love.
In the cultural desert, this set us on a blooming journey, and life led us to settle in London, where we continue to share our story in front of a real backyard garden.