Obi

Subject Matter:

The pattern consists of a repeating Takarazukushi mon, an array of precious objects originating from China used as a motif since the late sixteenth century to symbolize happiness and prosperity. Among this pattern also lie other motifs such as the cloud, Phoenix, and Karakusa Mon, stylized Chinese flower motifs created during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) in China and arrived in Japan alongside Buddhism during the Nara Period (710-794).

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. In the Zentsuu gara type, the obi is entirely covered with designs, patterns, and motifs. The versatility of this patterning allows for a variety of obi tying styles.

Physical Description:

Black Fukuro Obi with black and brown interwoven patterned motifs

Usage Rights:

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