ca. early to mid twentieth century
25 1/2" x 16", 52 cm x 40.5 cm

Sakiori garments--clothing woven from shredded cloth--are very much associated with work garments worn by fisherman, lumberjacks, farmers and the like, so it is very unusual that a child's garment would be made of this thick, utilitarian cloth.

There is a lot that is wonderful about this little gem, aside from it being a highly unusual garment: very desirable for sakiori garments is an asa (hemp or ramie) warp, and this small vest is very definitely warped with asa. Against this warp are weft yarns of blue and white cotton shreds. The garment shows no sign of use whatsoever.

All around the indigo dyed cotton collar are the 'magical stitches' or semori. These designs were stitched with the intention to protect the child, therefore conferring a wish for health and sanity on the child who wears the garment: these semori stitches are on all sides of the collar: inside, outside, front and back, so the child is literally encircled by protetive powers.

A beautiful if somwhat esoteric piece, this is a marvelous addition to any collection of Japanese country textiles.

Very highly recommended.