Vintage Japanese Geta Sandals: Kiri Wood, Bamboo Leaf Detail

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A very pretty pair of vintage Japanese geta. They are made of kiri (paulownia) wood which is a very light but strong wood. The wood is an unstained, natural color and there are lacquered brown bamboo leaves with a gold lacquer border on the heel. The interesting red, black and beige striped thongs with a small butterfly pattern make a great accent. The double thongs have an inside wire to keep their shape. The geta are in good vintage condition with only darkening of the kiri wood over time, adding to their appeal.

The Japanese wood sandals are small but rather than being worn, they make a great decorative accent. Put them in your entryway on display, next to an indoor plant in a Japanese hibachi, or hang them on a wall.

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- measure 23 cm (9”) long x 8 cm (3.2”) wide x 5 cm (2”) high.
- weighs 280 gm.

(This listing is for the geta only)

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GETA
Geta are a type of traditional Japanese footwear similar to flip-flops and clogs.  They have an elevated wooden base ("Dai") which is held onto the foot by a fabric thong ("Hanao").  The "Hanao" passes between the big toe and the second toe.   The "Hanao" can be made from various types of fabric and are usually replaceable. Cotton fabric "Hanao" with traditional Japanese motifs are popular.  According to Japanese belief breaking the thong ("Hanao") is thought to bring bad luck.

The geta base ("Dai"), where the foot sits, can come in different shapes.  An oval shaped base is considered to be more feminine and a more rectangular shaped base ("Dai") is thought of as  more masculine.  Geta are mostly made of wood which is kept natural, lacquered or stained.  

Under the base are the supporting boards which elevate the base above the ground. These boards are called "Ha" (teeth). The most common geta have two supporting teeth ("Ha"), tengu geta have one tooth ("Ha") and sometimes geta can have three teeth (Ha").

Usually supporting pieces of wood ("Ha") are made of paulownia ("Kiri") wood.  When someone is walking in geta, the wooden supporting pieces make a distinctive clacking sound which in Japanese is called "Karankoron".  For the older Japanese, this is a nostalgic sound as it is rare to hear it in modern life.  

From old days, there is a traditional saying "you don't know until you have worn geta." Basically this means you cannot know the results until the game is over.

Geta originally had the practical purpose of keeping peoples' feet from touching dirt, water or snow.  It is said that merchants used to wear very high geta so as to avoid treading on seafood scraps on the floor!

Maiko (geisha in training) wear very tall geta which are called "Okobo". They usually wear these with special socks called "Tabi".   Young girls often wear "Pokkuri" and Koppori".  These have a small bell inside the sole of the geta.  As a rule these have no teeth (supporting boards) and are made out of one piece of wood. "Pokkuri" are usually red and worn with kimono for special occasions such as the "Shichi-Go-San Festival".  

BAMBOO
Bamboo ("take"), being a very strong plant with very sturdy roots is a symbol of prosperity in Japan. It is also a symbol of innocence and purity. Bamboo stalks are beautifully simple and unadorned. There is a saying in Japan that a man with a frank nature is like fresh split bamboo.

The subject of bamboo can be found in stories from ancient times. One famous story is The Princess Kaguya or The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. It is about a princess who is found inside a bamboo stalk. An old man and woman raise her and she grows into a beautiful young woman. She has many marriage proposals but she never gets married. Eventually, one evening when there is a full moon, she returns to the moon which is actually her birthplace.

Bamboo and bamboo grass ("sasa") are often used in Japanese festivals to ward off evil. There is a special festival in Japan called "Tanabata" whereby people write their wishes on color strips of paper and hang them on bamboo branches.

Due to Japan’s climate bamboo grows almost everywhere in Japan. It is often used in construction and for Japanese handicrafts. A special wood instrument called "shakuhachi" is made of bamboo. And bamboo sprouts called "takenoko" are used in Japanese cooking.

Bamboo, with pine and plum ("Sho-chiku-bai") make an auspicious combination and symbolize long life, strength and vitality. The bamboo stands for strength and flexibility, the pine represents longevity and endurance and the plum stands for a youthful spirit. The name Sho-chiku-bai is the name of a Japanese sake brand.