A Beautifully Sashiko Stitched Apron: Traditional Hemp Leaf Pattern

early to mid twentieth century
sashiko stitched area: 15" x 17 1/2", 38 cm x 44.5 cm

This is an apron which is composed of a long, white cotton tie attached to a big, beautiful block of indigo dyed cotton which is completely covered in white sashiko stitching.

The sashiko stitched pattern is no doubt familiar to many of you who know either Japanese folk textiles or sashiko stitching. The all over design is a traditional one and it depicts the stylized hemp leaf or asa no ha.

Heavily sashiko stitched aprons such as this one were worn in old Japan--and there is a good variation on the sashiko stitched designs chosen to show on any particular apron. This asa no ha pattern is beautifully done both in terms of the regularity of the stitching but also in the scale of the pattern as it relates to the size of the material being stitched.

The apron shows some light wear, especially noticed on the white, cotton tie. The indigo dyed cotton area is composed of two pieces which were hand stitched together.

Really beautiful and collectible.

Recommended.