A Pair of Hand Spun Cotton Waraji Covers: Fine Sashiko Stitching

late nineteenth century
each approximately: 5" x 9", 12.75 cm x 23 cm

These beautifully asagi iro or light blue colored cotton foot guards are hand woven from hand spun cotton. The sashiko stitching reinforcing the edges is tight and expertly done.

These are foot guards to wear with straw sandals called waraji. Waraji were widely worn in Japan and more often than not they were made in the home for use by the family. Often rice straw was used to construct waraji--since the material used to make them was not durable a pair of waraji was cast away soon after it was worn out.

These beautifully worn guards protected the ankle and the top of the foot when working, when walking or  when foraging. There is fading and some yellowing to the edges which add to the lovely patina from age; the hand spun cotton yarns are easily seen.

This pair is a very good example of this kind of traditional, home made foot guard: its age, its yarns, its stitching, its wear, its design and its construction all come together to make a very good quality pair of foot guards.

Recommended.