A Hemp or Ramie Cloth Kasuri Apron: Indigo Dyed

early twentieth century
28" x 24 1/4", 71 cm x 61.5 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 narrow, well-used tie is made from commercially printed cotton cloth which is a nice contrast to the decidedly hand woven, traditional, bast fiber kasuri cloth.

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.

This one, in particular, is easy to visualize being worn by a kimono-clad working lady, which it no doubt was.

Lovely.