Shonai work vest / sodenashi.
Late 1800s / early 1900s
 
This sodenashi (sleeveless vest) is from Shonai which is in present-day Yamagata prefecture in Japan's rural Tohoku region. It is made of indigo dyed, hand loomed cottons and it is entirely hand stitched.
Looking at the photographs, you will see that this sodenashi is intricately sashiko stitched: there are lines of stitching all over the coat which quilt its two cotton layers together. This is typical for the Shonai region.
It also has a rare persimmon leaf sashiko pattern on one shoulder (kakino ha sashi). This is an old traditional sashiko pattern, that was stitched for a good harvest.
For it's age, this vest is still in beautiful condition, and very wearable. 
 
Neck to hem: 73 cm - 28 3/4 inch
Shoulder to shoulder: 40 cm - 15 3/4 inch
 
Estimated size: Small
 
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