A Pair of Rustic Faded and Worn Tabi Covers: Beautifully Reinforced

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
each: 5" x 9 1/4", 13 cm x 23.5 cm

This is a beautifully rustic and well-worn pair of indigo dyed cotton, sashiko stitched foot or tabi covers.

Accessories like these would be worn by working people in old Japan: what also may be worn in addition to these would be other body-guarding garments like leg protectors, hand protectors and head coverings. The extremities of the worker's body were often covered by multiple accessories versus one, protective suit.

The base cloth is a deeply colored indigo cotton and the stitching is done in the same, deep blue color cotton thread. Attached to the heel portion of the tabi cover is a layer of pale blue colored cotton which is frayed from age. The area in front near the split toe portion is reinforced with a circular piece of the same cloth that is affixed to the heel.

Each of the two pieces is outfitted with a pair of ties.

A wonderful pair, beautifully realized--and a soulful artifact from old Japan

Recommended.