A Pair of Repaired White Cotton Tabi: Boro

early twentieth century
each tabi: 9" x 4 1/4" x 4", 23 cm x 11.5 cm x 10 cm

This pair of foot gear is called tabi and it is hand stitched from undyed cotton.

These tabi are not the refined kind that are worn with a fancy kimono, but rather they were intended to be worn for work: this kind of tabi would have shod the foot before a hand twined rice straw waraji or sandal was worn. 

Note the heavy wear to the bottom of each tabi and the mending stitches on the top of the tabi which radiate from the cleft toe area backward. This mending follows the path of the straps of the foot wear and is meant to reinforce this area of loss. 

The back of the tabi are secured by copper tabs slipped into loops.

A very nice reminder of old Japan--and for those who are interested in dyeing, these could be the base for a custom color project.

Recommended.