A Pair of Boro Ankle Guards: Sculptural Shapes

ca. early to mid twentieth century
each, approximately: 8" x 10 1/2", 20.25 cm x 26.5 cm

This is a lovely pair of lined, indigo dyed cotton, boro ankle guards that would have wrapped around the ankle a bit like spats.  The pair of foot guards was designed and made to provide protection for the instep of the foot as well as the ankle.

The pair is made of hand loomed indigo dyed cotton, the lining being asagi or a pale blue color, while the exterior is a deep, rich, indigo blue.  The guards close on the outside of the leg and the 16 brass colored metal closures are intact except for one, the reason being that a dark blue cotton patch is in its place.

Pay special attention to the intense and beautiful mending stitches which can be easily seen on the lining: the thick, dark blue yarns against the asagi base cotton is just beautiful.

A lovely piece of old Japan, these rustic, mended ankle guards were used hard and well .

Beautiful.