This is exceptionally rare 'Kogin-sashi' jacket(noragi) from Aomori.
In north district in Japan, it was impossible to grow cotton because of its cool climate. For the common people - farmer and fisher folk wore hemp as casual and working wear. But the hemp wear was not warm enough for the cool winter in the north district. To give the hemp thermal. people added the stitches to the fabrics - 'sashiko'. In Tsugaru ( the most north district of Tohoku) people added beautiful geometric pattern by the cotton stitches to the hemp, and it is called 'Kogin'. This stitches also reinforced the fabric, and it was very useful for working wear. White cotton threads were embroidered in beautiful and unique geometric pattern. Its beautiful patterns were embroidered one stitch by one stitch, by the women of the farmer maybe during the agricultural off-season winter.
This piece is considered to be from Meiji period(1868-1912). It has a few repaired tears and very slight stains. But as a whole it is in very good condition.
We have been looking for kogin, and finally got at the auction in North district.
I always admire its beauty with imaging the snow covered white scenery in Tsugaru district.
This piece is our treasure!