A Pair of Heavily Mended White Cotton Tabi: Stitched

early to mid twentieth century
each: 4" x 8 1/2" x 4", 10 cm x 21.5 cm x 10

Tabi are the traditional, split-toe "socks" of Japan, and there are many variations of tabi, from this type--thick, heavy cotton used for work--to very elegant pairs of tabi that are worn when wearing formal dress.

This pair of tabi is made from undyed cotton which over time has accumulated sprays of very faint staining which looks not unlike foxing on the paper of old books. The back of the pair of tabi closes with a kind of Japanese style hook and eye closure.

As can be seen in the accompanying photographs, this pair of tabi has been worn hard as there is a good amount of sashiko stitched repair and some lovely surface abrasion. 

A beautifully hand made pair of rustic tabi, these are a wonderful resource for a sashiko stittcher or for someone who admires the traditional folk textiles of old Japan.  

Beautiful.