Vintage Tengu Shinsaibashi Embossed Floral Zori Sandals — Unworn, Original Box — 23cm

A remarkable unworn pair of vintage Tengu Shinsaibashi zori, preserved in their original box and packaging.

Made by Tengu (てんぐ) of Shinsaibashi, Osaka, these are exceptionally fine zori with richly embossed red floral decoration against black. The uppers and soles are leather, and the pair remains in beautiful never-worn condition despite having been stored for many years.

The original Tengu packaging is an important part of the set: the distinctive green patterned box, protective wrappers, original tag and even a small packet of spare parts for heel repairs are still present.

The Tengu Story

Founded in 1894 (Meiji 27) in Shinsaibashi, Osaka, Tengu was one of Japan’s distinguished traditional footwear makers. For generations the company produced beautifully designed, Japanese-made zori and geta.

After 117 years in business, Tengu finally closed in 2011 as Japanese footwear manufacturing increasingly lost ground to lower-cost overseas production.

These zori therefore represent something that can no longer be made by Tengu — an unused survivor from a vanished Shinsaibashi maker, still preserved exactly as it left the shop.

A note about size: Traditional Japanese zori are not intended to fit like Western shoes. It is normal — and traditionally considered elegant — for the heel to extend slightly beyond the back of the sandal.

Made in Japan 🇯🇵