A Tattered Pair of Sashiko Stitched Hand Guards: Tekko

ca. mid twentieth century
each as shown: 9" x 4 1/2", 22.17 cm x 11.5 cm

These very rustic, heavily sashiko stitched pieces were used as a kind of hand guard, called tekko, to protect the hands and wrists from abrasions, etc. during hard, outdoor work and/ or while walking in the forest.

Each piece is of very faded, indigo dyed kasuri cotton with very tight rows of white cotton sashiko stitching. Note the elaborate stitch used to secure the ties to the front of these 'hand guards.' Note as well the hard use these pieces were put through, as evidenced by the wear to the white cotton sashiko stitches and to the pieces in general.

Note as well the loss to the cloth as can be seen on the "palm" side of the tekko.

Even for their tough wear and surface abrasion, these are wonderful remnants from old--and rural--Japan.