A Densely Sashiko Stitched Sodenashi: Three Stitched Patterns

early twentieth century
shoulder to hem x widest part: 28" x 19", 71 cm x 48.25 cm

This very dark indigo toned, heavily textured sleeveless garment is referred to as a sodenashi which literally means "without sleeves."

It is a work vest that has been intensely sashiko stitched all over, including the two separate side gussets; each and all areas of the sodenashi are sashiko stitched.

The top half shows the kaki no hana or persimmon flower pattern; the bottom half shows the masu or grain measure pattern that is emblematic of a motif used in the Shonai area of Yamagata prefecture where this garment was made. The gussets show what could be termed an arrow feather design.

The entire garment is very dark in indigo tone, including the sashiko stitching. This indicates that the garment was vat dyed in indigo after the stitching was done. The collar which is of striped cotton was added afterwards.

The garment shows light wear but when seen in person it is very, very solidly dark blue in tone. It is about two layers thick in totality.

Please feel free to email if you plan to wear this and would like more specific dimensions, keeping in mind that the shoulders on these types of garments often do not sit or lay flat but they often point upward from the shoulder.

Still this is a marvelous garment to own, to study and to display as it shows remarkably skilled sashiko stitching, and lots of it.

Recommended.