An Overdyed, Repaired, Sashiko Stitched Fireman's Glove: Layered

late nineteenth century
8 3/4" x 4 3/4", 22 cm x 12 cm

This well-used, over dyed and repaired object is a thickly layered, densely sashiko-stitched glove. By its resist dyed design--originally done in indigo--we know this was a glove used by a firefighter in old Japan.

It seems to have been over dyed in kaki shibu or green persimmon tannin, most likely in order to strengthen the cotton cloth of the glove. Kaki shibu coats fibers and makes them more durable over time.

There is patching and mending to the glove which can be seen in the attached photos. If you are lucky enough to hold this old object in your hand you will be able to see its mending more clearly, some of which is to the inside of the glove.

A lovely, spirited old thing that has survived for probably a century-and-a-half.