Man's shoulder sash c. mid 20th century

This Man's shoulder sash was made by Kabui Naga. The sash is dark with strong lines of green, red and yellow running vertically. The fringe almost looks like paint dripping from a canvas. The horizontal bands feel like an attempt to harness the liquid movement of the fringe, as if the maker is trying to catch something elusive. What’s compelling is the texture. You can almost feel the weave in your fingers. Imagine the hours spent knotting those tassels, each one a little meditation. There’s an honesty in the process; nothing is hidden. The slight imperfections in the lines speak to a human touch, a kind of vulnerability that I find deeply moving. The colours in the fringe break down the further down you look, almost like an early Gerhard Richter painting. This piece is like Agnes Martin in textile form - a conversation about colour and form. Ultimately, it celebrates the beauty of imperfection and the power of process.