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Obi

Japanese

Artwork Details

Obi
20th century
Japanese
silk, brocade
12 x 147 in. (30.48 x 373.38 cm)
Gift of Howard and Patricia Yamaguchi
2013/2.386

Description

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

Usage Rights:

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