A beautiful unworn pair of vintage Tengu Shinsaibashi (天狗 心斎橋) zori, made by the renowned Osaka footwear maker Tengu.
Finished in a rich deep yellow, these exceptionally well-made zori feature genuine raden (螺鈿) mother-of-pearl inlay, creating luminous accents that change subtly with the light. The uppers and soles are leather, with the elegant curved profile characteristic of high-quality Japanese zori of the period.
They have been carefully stored for many years and remain in near-perfect, never-worn condition, complete with their original Tengu box and protective packaging. There are some very slight age marks near the toe of one zori; please see the photographs for details.
About Tengu Shinsaibashi
Founded in 1894 (Meiji 27) in Osaka’s Shinsaibashi district, Tengu was a celebrated specialist in traditional Japanese footwear. For generations, the company produced beautifully designed, Japanese-made zori and geta, becoming a familiar name in Shinsaibashi.
After 117 years in business, Tengu closed in 2011, making surviving unworn examples such as this increasingly evocative pieces of Osaka retail and fashion history.
A note about traditional zori sizing
Traditional Japanese zori are not intended to fit like Western shoes. The entire foot does not need to sit within the perimeter of the sole. The ball and weight-bearing portion of the foot are supported by the zori, while the heel may extend beyond the back.
A modest heel overhang is therefore traditional and intentional, rather than an indication that the zori are too small. This slightly abbreviated fit also contributes to the graceful appearance of zori when worn with kimono.
Made in Japan
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