A Mid Century Kasuri Apron: Machine and Hand Stitched

ca. mid twentieth century
24 3/4" x 22", 63 cm x 56 cm

Aprons were worn all the time in old Japan by all classes of people, especially working people.

Women at home wore them to do housekeeping, farmers and tradesmen wore them, shopkeepers wore them--in the past, aprons or maekake were part of one's daily clothing, and, still, today, many people today in Japan wear aprons on a daily basis.

This  maekake is fashioned from a very handsome kasuri or ikat dyed cotton.  The apron is machine stitched of two widths of cloth, one of which is in the center, the two narrower halves flanking it.  The deep red cotton tie is hand stitched to the apron.

If you ever happen to see historical photos of old Japan, particularly street scenes for scenes depicting everyday life,  look closely at the photos and most likely you will see the presence of maekake in these photos. This one, in particular, is easy to visualize being worn by a kimono-clad working lady, which it no doubt was.

This apron shows patina from wear.

Just lovely.