A Well-Worn, Wonderful Pair of Old Tabi: Tattered Handspun Cotton and Patina

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
each: 8" x 4" x 4 /12", 20 cm x 10 cm x 11.5 cm

Tabi are the traditional, split-toe "socks" of Japan, and there are many variations of tabi, from this type--thick, heavy cotton used for work--to very elegant pairs of tabi that are worn when wearing formal dress.

This pair of slightly tattered and well-worn tabi is made from hand spun, hand woven, indigo dyed cotton.

As can be seen in the accompanying photographs, this pair of tabi has been worn hard. There are areas of loss, shown in the accompanying detail photos, as well as some staining to the sashiko stitched sole of the tabi as well as all over surface abrasion. 

A beautifully hand made pair of rustic tabi, these are a wonderful resource for a sashiko stitcher or for someone who admires the traditional folk textiles of old Japan.  

Beautiful.