A Beautifully Worn Sashiko Apron: Countless Tiny Stitches

early twentieth century
21 1/2" x 25", 54.5 cm x 63.5 cm

Aprons were worn all the time in old Japan by all classes of people, especially working people, and this example is a particularly good, old one--and one that shows beautiful age, wear and patina from use.

Women at home wore aprons to do housekeeping, farmers and tradesmen wore them, shopkeepers wore them--in the past, aprons or maekake were part of one's daily clothing, and, still, today, many people today in Japan wear aprons on a daily basis.

This hand stitched maekake is a bib type, and is reversible.  One side is indigo dyed cotton while the other side shows a very narrow blue and yellow woven stripe.  The entire apron is sashiko stitched in very close, vertical rows, all over.

It is the age and wear to this apron which gives it its appeal, and it is still very wearable and quite durable, even though there is some wear and abrasion to the indigo cotton side of the garment.

Simply beautiful, and beautifully soulful.

Recommended.