A Pair of White Cotton Tabi: Rustic Foot Gear

ca. early twentieth century
8 1/4" l x 4" x 4" w, 21 cm l x 10 cm w x 10 cm h

This pair of foot gear is called tabi and is hand stitched from hand loomed, presumably hand spun, cotton yarns.

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 sashiko stitching on the bottom of each tabi, stitched on the sole for durability.  

Note as well the abrasion to the toe areas of each of the tabi as well as the stains which are shown on the accompanying photographs.

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.