A Maekake of Two Kasuri Cottons: Traditional Apron

ca. mid twentieth century
20" x 22", 51 cm x 56 cm

Aprons, or maekake, were worn by everyone in old Japan, especially by women--and they were a part of the every day work outfit.

This mid twentieth century maekake is a real eye dazzler: it is hand sewn from two different cotton kasuri fabrics, each of them rich in color and very much of the type that was produced in the middle of the twentieth century.  

The visual contrast between the two patterns is jarring and pleasant; the white cotton tie or waist band is creased from being used and into it there has bled some of the green dye from the kasuri cloth.

Even for this staining of the white waistband, this lovely apron is in good, used, bright condition.