Two Indigo Dyed Rustic Tabi: Sashiko Stitched Reinforcements

early twentieth century
each: 4" x 8 3/4" x 4", 10 cm x 22.25 cm x 10 cm

Tabi are the traditional, split-toe "socks" of Japan, and there are many variations of tabi, from this type--thick, heavy cotton used for work--to very elegant pairs of tabi that are worn when wearing formal dress.

This pair of tabi is made from beautiful, hand loomed, indigo dyed cotton.

It is interesting to note that although it can be called a pair, the two identical tabi bear two different types of wear.

The one pictured on the left seems worn harder than the one pictured on the right, which leads us to speculate that perhaps a few identical sets were made by the same person and these two tabi came to us as a random pair.

The entire front area of each of the tabi is densely sashiko stitched using very thick, heavy  cotton thread, the same color as the base cloth.  The heel areas of the tabi are likewise similarly stitched.

A beautifully hand made "pair" of rustic tabi, these are a wonderful resource for a sashiko stitcher or for someone who admires the traditional folk textiles of old Japan.  

Beautiful--and still quite wearable.