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Obi

Japanese

Artwork Details

Obi
mid- to late-20th century
Japanese
silk
156 in x 12 ¼ in (396.24 cm x 31.12 cm)
Gift of Mrs. Kazuko Miyake
2016/2.18

Description

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.

Usage Rights:

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