Noragi - Meiji era, rare white Aomori sashiko

A very rare and striking Tohoku work garment, this noragi dates back to the Meiji era (1869-1927) and was made in Hirosaki.

Hirosaki resides in the Aomori prefecture, in the far northeastern region of Tohoku. This region is where the style of sashiko called Kogin originated. Kogin is a traditional Japanese embroidery technique that derived from the sashiko traditions of northern Japan, but is usually a counted thread technique. The intricate, beautiful designs with running stitches in white cotton thread on dark indigo cloth are said to resemble snow on the ground.

This jacket is made from hand spun, hand dyed botanical indigo cottons. The outside cloth is kasuri and the lining is made from a beautiful katazome cotton with butterfly and floral motifs.  It has been hand stitched with thousands of white thread sashiko running stitches. 

This type of jacket rarely comes to market and many examples can be found in museums or Japanese textile reference books. Please feel free to reach out directly with more questions or if you would like to request additional photos. There is a thin stain which can be viewed in the photos and small amounts of damage to the lower lining. However, overall it is in very good condition. 

Late 19th to early 20th centure
Dimensions: 38.5" wide; 50" long