03 / Foundations

Geta, zori, and okobo

Objects that look related may differ in construction, setting, and relationship to dress. Distinguishing them is a collector’s first discipline.

What to observe

Compare the sole, the presence of teeth, and thong placement. When a name varies by region or seller, retain photographs and dimensions too.

A kiri-geta observation image — Study wood, hanao, and structure from more than one angle.

A geta form image — Study wood, hanao, and structure from more than one angle.

Thinking as a collection

If you collect by type, record the visible criteria used for each classification, not only the name.

Before buying or displaying

This guide is editorially informed by a classification of public web, social, collection, and market information. Verify an individual work’s place, maker, date, and specifications with its maker or seller before purchase.

View works at Miyuki Honpo

Editorial note for this page

This is a guide for observation and comparison. Historical attribution, repair, conservation, and wear safety vary by object, condition, and environment.