A Rustic Sashiko Stitched Hand or Ankle Guard: Indigo Dyed Cotton

early twentieth century
4 1/4" x 13", 10.25 cm x 33 cm

This small and narrow indigo dyed cotton textile is densely sashiko stitched in a rustic way, clearly it was stitched heavily in order to strengthen the cloth and make it durable for long wear.

The base cloth has been shaped--or misshapen--by the amount of stitching that has pierced through it. Along with what appears to be repeated wear this lovely country textile has almost a free-form dimension to it.

It was used as a guard for the wrist or ankle, most likely to prevent the skin from being abraded by plant material when working. A long, single cotton tie is still attached to the center of the guard.

Naturally such an old, rugged article of clothing will be colored from time and this one is. It is a beautifully textured and wonderfully soulful old cloth from a lost time.

Wonderful.