Accession Number
2013/2.386

Title
Obi

Artist(s)
Japanese

Artist Nationality
Japanese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
silk, brocade

Dimensions
12 in x 147 in (30.48 cm x 373.38 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Howard and Patricia Yamaguchi

Subject matter

The material feels crispy and is likely “Sha” silk gauze. 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.

Physical Description

Pink-beige and gold obi with gold brocade and patched floral and butterfly motifs

Primary Object Classification
Costume and Costume Accessories

Primary Object Type
obi

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
Edo (Japanese period)
floral patterns
gold thread
obis
pink colors