A Sodenashi from Aomori Prefecture: Sashiko Stitched and Kasuri

early to mid twentieth century
shoulder to hem: 34", 86.5 cm
shoulder span, top: 12 3/4", 32.5 cm
wide area on bottom, width: 18", 46 cm

This is an indigo dyed cotton sodenashi a type of sleeveless work garment of which there are many types and variations.

This one is said to be from Aomori prefecture, the northernmost one on Honshu and one of the most rural or rustic areas in Japan. Although remote and poor Aomori produced some of the most beautifully stitched garments in all Japan in the form of kogin sashiko, a kind of treasure of a cloth.

The exterior of this long sodenashi is hand stitched from two types of kasuri, a dappled warp and weft variety on top and a weft-based picture kasuri on the bottom. The entire garment is sashiko stitched in vertical columns which is easily seen on the detail photos which accompany this post.

There are two ties, one on either side of the garment; this type of sodenashi was meant to be worn as seen here, not folded over but hanging on the body as pictured.

In good condition this is a very nice traditional, hand stitched garment from one of Japan's richest areas for folk craft.

Recommended.