A Home Made Unused Mid-Century Apron: Stripes and Kasuri

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--which appears to be unused-- is fashioned from a very handsome and beautifully colored woven cotton stripe cloth.  The tie is a large-scale, blue-on-blue kasuri cotton; this same cloth is used to finish the two slits at the bottom hem of the apron.

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.

A lovely combination of textiles, and very much still wearable.