Obi

Accession Number
2016/2.18

Title
Obi

Artist(s)
Japanese

Artist Nationality
Japanese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
mid- to late-20th century

Medium & Support
silk

Dimensions
156 in x 12 ¼ in (396.24 cm x 31.12 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Kazuko Miyake

Subject matter

This is a Fukuro Obi in Otaiko Gara.

Fukuro Obi is double-layered  single sided obi in which two separately woven surfaces and back pieces of cloth are stitched together. This type of obi is typically only worn at weddings or other formal occasions.

Gara refers to the orientation, arrangement, and surface area of the patterns and pertains to a specific trend and obi tying style. The patterning in the Otaiko gara type is minimal. A few concentrated spots of patterned motif lie on the obi while the rest is left blank. This style was invented during the Edo period (1615-1868) by the female entertainers in Fukugawa, an entertainment district in present-day Tokyo.

Ro and Sha textiles, also called usumono, are thin, translucent fabrics used for summer wear.

The main difference between Ro and Sha is how they are woven.



Physical Description

Cream off-white Ro summer fukuro (single-sided) obi with embroidered and dyed blue, pink, red, and green heron and lilies.



Primary Object Classification
Costume and Costume Accessories

Primary Object Type
obi

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
birds (motifs)
flower (motif)
obis
silk (silkworm material)

& Author Notes

All Rights Reserved