Obi

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.

Physical Description:

pale brown-green silk fukuro (single-sided) obi with embroidered orange, yellow, and silver gunbai uchiwa (fan held by sumo wrestler referee) motif decorated with white, maroon, and pink wisteria, cherry blossoms, chrysanthemums, camellias,  autumnal foliage, and orange ribbons with gold and silver cloud motifs.

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