A Pair of Well-Worn Sashiko Stitched Fireman's Gloves: Beautiful Patina

mid to late nineteenth century
each glove: 10 1/2" x 4 1/2", 26.5 cm x 11.5 cm

This is a pair of indigo resist dyed, layered cotton and completely sashiko stitched gloves--the sashiko stitching is done with thick, indigo dyed cotton thread.

The gloves were part of a fireman's elaborately outfitted uniform: in Japan in the olden days, firemen would wear a uniform consisting of clothing made from the same kind of cloth as these gloves. The thickly layered cotton, when doused with water, would provide fire fighters an effective yet temporary resistance to the blaze they were battling.

Judging from their wear and their patina, these gloves were clearly worn for this reason. And as you can see each glove is made from three sections: one for the thumb, one for the index finger and one for the remaining three fingers.

One glove is dyed in wide bands of blue and the other glove shows a kind of lightning bolt zigzag--and no doubt their designs related to and integrated with the patterns found on the other elements of their fire fighting outfit.

A really nice pair and one that shows just the right of wear.

Recommended.