A Tiny Pair of Mended Tabi: Undyed Child's Footwear

early twentieth century
each: 5 1/2" x 2 3/4" x 3", 14 cm x 7 cm x 7.5 cm

Tabi are traditional split-toe "socks" that are worn with various forms of Japanese sandals and footwear.

This particular pair is tiny--they belonged to a child.

These rarely-found child-sized tabi are hand stitched from undyed cotton cloth and as can be seen on the accompanying detail photos they are well-used and they show some unmended loss, particularly to the toe area of the proper, left tabi.

The pair is ankle-high and has relatively long laces that secure the tabi to the small foot. There are obvious signs of wear and use to these tabi and this patina from wear enhances their already-soulful appearance.

A rare opportunity to acquire a pair of nice, boro child's tabi, this pair is particularly nice for its good wear and the sashiko stitched reinforcements.