Ceremonial Footwear / Asagutsu / Red Lacquer

Footwear worn at court rituals, shrines, and grand shrines since the Heian period (794-1185). They are made of Japanese paper. About 20 sheets of Japanese paper　are pasted onto a wooden form, and then hemp cloth is pasted on top.

This product can be worn, but is basically for decoration.
If you want a Shallow Clogs in your size, please contact us.

Width : 11cm
Depth : 18cm
Height : 9cm
Weight：500-600g

Lacquer
Japanese Paper

HASHIMOTO JINZO SHOTEN

"After its creator ceased to exist, it took about 10 years to restore it, using as a reference the items given to us by a dancer."

We are making daily efforts to produce footwear necessary for traditional Japanese events such as bugaku, which are worn in sacred places as well as with great skill, so that they can be handed down to the next generation.

ARTISAN STORY

Hashimoto Jinzo Shoten

Founded in Taisho 13 (1924), Hashimoto Jinzo Shoten initially specialized in Kyoto lacquerware and lacquered articles for Shinto and Buddhist rituals, including lacquered footwear such as clogs and straw sandals for Shinto priests.

After the passing of the founder in Showa 49 (1974), the second generation renamed the shop from Hashimoto Shoten to Hashimoto Jinzo Shoten. They continued to specialize in the lacquerware of items like straw sandals, crowns, and bird hats. The shop was also involved in creating footwear for important ceremonies, including the Shikinen Sengu of Ise Jingu and the enthronement ceremony.

Following the passing of the second-generation owner in Heisei 26 (2014), the third-generation owner, Hashimoto Koji, took over. The shop now manufactures and sells religious footwear and hats for Shinto priests at the Imperial Palace ceremonies, various major shrines, and temples, as well as for monks of various sects and main temples.

ASAGUTSU / JAPANESE TRADITIONAL FOOTWEAR

About 1,300 years ago / 700s / Nara Period (710–794)

Asagutsu are shallow formal shoes used in ancient court dress and Shinto ritual, traditionally made from rigid materials such as wood or leather and finished with lacquer or textile. Their form became established through the costume systems of the Nara and Heian periods and survives today in highly restricted ceremonial settings.

Even many Japanese people rarely encounter them outside shrines, gagaku or imperial-related ceremonies. They can be thought of as “living ancient footwear,” preserved because the ritual costume itself remains active.

Unlike modern shoes shaped closely to left and right feet, asagutsu have a hard shell-like form. Comfort and walking efficiency are secondary to maintaining the silhouette and dignity of the entire costume. They sit at the unusual boundary between practical footwear and ceremonial symbol.

Individual Differences

As each piece is individually handcrafted, slight variations in color, pattern, shape, and texture may occur. These subtle differences are a natural characteristic of handcrafted works, making each piece truly unique. We hope you will enjoy these individual variations as part of the beauty and character of Japanese craftsmanship.

Production Time

If an item is not currently in stock, it may be made to order by the artisan. As each piece is carefully handcrafted, production may take several months depending on the item and the artisan's schedule. We appreciate your patience and understanding.