Obi

Accession Number
2016/2.22

Title
Obi

Artist(s)
Japanese

Artist Nationality
Japanese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
mid- to late-20th century

Medium & Support
silk and linen

Dimensions
160 in x 12 in (406.4 cm x 30.48 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Kazuko Miyake

Subject matter

This is a summer obi in otaiko gara.

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

black summer Ro obi with interwoven white, gold, and red daisies.



Primary Object Classification
Costume and Costume Accessories

Primary Object Type
obi

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
flower (motif)
obis
summer (season)

& Author Notes

All Rights Reserved