A Spectacular Pair of Sashiko Stitched Heel Guards: Beautiful Wear and Patina

early twentieth century
each: 3 3/4" x 13 3/4", 9.75 cm x 35 cm

This is a pair of sashiko stitched akutogake or heel guards that show attractive wear and good age, two very important characteristics when considering Japanese folk textiles. 

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. 

They are beautifully sashiko stitched from white or undyed cotton on a ground of indigo dyed cotton on one side and striped, indigo dyed cotton cloth on the other.

The zigzag pattern of the dense sashiko stitching--wonderfully realized and meant to strengthen the pair of heel guards--is the traditional arrow feather pattern. It is wonderful to see.

By looking at the accompanying photographs we can notice the wear, the abrasion to the pair of heel guards which shows that they were indeed worn by someone in old Japan.

A really lovely set of a quickly disappearing hand made accessory from the past.