ca. late nineteenth century
12 1/2" x 5" each, 32.5 cm x 12.5 cm each

This is a very unusual Japanese country textile: it is a pair of leggings fit for a small child.

These leggings are made from hand spun, indigo dyed cotton, the cotton having been dyed in the katazome or stencil resist technique and showing a pattern of delicately falling maple leaves and a gently moving stream.  Obviously the cloth used to make these leggings was recycled from another item in the home, or from a garment.

The shape of each of the leggings is charming.  These little booties were most definitely worn as the soles show some light wear.

Absolutely wonderful.