A Pair of Undyed Cotton Ankle Guards: Dense Sashiko Stitching
$45.00 USD
early to mid twentieth century
each: 4 1/12" x 15 1/4", 11.5 cm x 38.5 cm
This pair of densely sashiko stitched, undyed cotton garments is meant to be used to protect the heel of the foot and the ankle.
Such protective gear was used in old Japan. It was used for work, but also for foraging in the forests and for travel on country lanes rich with underbrush which could scratch or abrade the skin.
The pair have been worn as can be seen the the ingrained, light discoloration to the white cotton.
It is the density of the sashiko stitching--done with nice, thick, cotton thread--that makes this cloth from old Japan so appealing.
A wonderful piece of farm life from another age.
