A Weathered and Beautiful Indigo Dyed Sakiori Work Vest: Bast Warp

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
25 1/4" x 12", 64 cm x 30.5 cm

This beautifully colored and weathered sakiori or rag woven work vest is from the collection of a prominent researcher of Japanese folk textiles.

Indigo rag weave such as this--and which is so beautifully worn and faded as this one is--is a prize. This is the type of country textile that one hopes to pursue when collecting.

The researcher's notes indicate that this garment was collected about 30 years ago and it seems that there is information that this garment is from Echizen in Fukui prefecture. It is also noted that the warp is bast fiber while the weft is quite obviously cotton.

There is damage to the piece that can be seen in the worn and frayed cotton trim to the edges of the work vest. There are also very faint and small areas of discoloration and some holes, all of which are shown on the accompanying detail photos. 

The softness of indigo toned color, the wear patterns and the general warmth of human wear all combine make this is a very good example of an old sodenashi or a sleeveless work garment.

This piece is for someone who can appreciate its flaws and the effects of wear from age and use and how these elements enhance the beauty of Japanese country textiles.

This is a very special and beautiful sodenashi with a great deal of soul.

Recommended.