Maggs Bros. Ltd.

A practical set of paper patterns for sewing jika-tabi, i.e. tabi shoes.

While tabi shoes have gained tremendous popularity in recent years – for which Maison Margiela is largely responsible – these types of shoes socks have existed in Japan for centuries. They are distinguished by the single split between the toes, which was initially designed to allow for traditional sandals (zori and geta) from the Heian period onwards. In the 1920s the rubber-soled tabi shoe was invented, and can still be seen used by Japanese construction workers today.

The patterns themselves were issued by a company named Yamakichi in Osaka, which we have not been able to find out much about. The text recommends the use of cotton and explains how the pieces can be arranged to be cut from a length of cloth without too much waste. The three pieces make up the shapes for the sole, sides and lining.