A Fine Hemp or Ramie Kasuri Apron: Cotton Tie

early twentieth century
29" x 26", 73.5 cm x 66 cm

Aprons were worn all the time in old Japan by all classes of people, especially working people.

Women at home wore them to do housekeeping, farmers and tradesmen wore them, shopkeepers wore them--in the past, aprons or maekake were part of one's daily clothing, and, still, today, many people today in Japan wear aprons on a daily basis.

This hand stitched maekake or apron is fashioned from two panels of handsome and beautifully colored indigo dyed hemp or ramie kasuri cloth. The pattern of the kasuri is small in scale. 

The tie is made from indigo dyed cotton cloth which is a subtle contrast to the decidedly hand woven, traditional, bast fiber kasuri cloth. The condition is good, used and with no glaring stains or holes.

If you ever happen to see historical photos of old Japan, particularly street scenes for scenes depicting everyday life,  look closely at the photos and most likely you will see the presence of maekake in these photos.

Lovely.