A Pair of Unused Akutogake: Beautifully Precise Stitching from Aomori

early to mid twentieth century
each: 3 1/4" x 12", 8 cm x 30.5 cm

This is a pair of heavily sashiko stitched akutogake or heel guards said to be from the very rural prefecture of Aomori. 

In old Japan people wore accessories to give protection to the body while working, traveling on foot, and the like.  Hand guards, gaiters of shin guards, instep guards and heel guards were worn as added protection against abrasion.

These akutogake were placed around the heel of the foot and tied in front.  

By looking at the accompanying photographs we can notice how intensely stitched and reinforced this pair is which indicates that the maker was prepared for the pair to be used hard. 

A really lovely set of a quickly disappearing hand made accessory from the past--and one that is expertly stitched.