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Obi jime

Japanese

Artwork Details

Obi jime
20th century
Japanese
fabric
1/2 in x 58 in (1.27 cm x 147.32 cm)
Gift of Howard and Patricia Yamaguchi
2013/2.467

Description

Subject Matter:

This is a Kumihimo Obi jime.

Obi jime are cords tied on the outside of the obi. Since they are visible, they come in a variety of colors and styles. Obi jime comes in roughly 2  types: One is called “Maru Guke” for formal attire which contains cotton inside covered by cloth.  Another is a braid called “Kumihimo” for casual to formal attire.  “Kumihimo” is the name of a type of Japanese braiding, meaning a gathering of thread, mostly in a flat form.  This form employs different braiding blocks such as “Kakudai”(square block), “Marudai”(round block) and “Takadai” (high block), creating varieties of Kumihimo Obi jime.

Physical Description:

Silver and blue pattern on one side, solid dark blue on the other.

Usage Rights:

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