A Pair of Heavily Mended Tabi: Traditional Footwear

early to mid twentieth century
each: 4" x 9" x 4", 10 cm x 23 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 brushed or flannel cotton with black cotton details. 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. There are small areas of sashiko stitched repair, some loss of the undyed cotton 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.