A Pair of Heavily Sashiko Stitched Heel Guards: Dark Indigo

early twentieth century
each: 4" x 13 1/2', 10 cm x 34 cm

This is a pair of deeply indigo dyed and heavily sashiko stitched akutogake or heel guards. 

In old Japan people wore accessories to give protection to the body while working, traveling on foot, and the like.  Hand guards, gaiters of shin guards, instep guards and heel guards were worn as added protection against abrasion.

These akutogake were placed around the heel of the foot and tied in front.  

By looking at the accompanying photographs we can notice how intensely stitched and reinforced this pair is which indicates that the maker was prepared for the pair to be used hard. 

The pair was likely dyed in indigo after some use--this was done to keep the accessory looking "clean" or "fresh."

A really lovely set of a quickly disappearing hand made accessory from the past.