DESCRIPTION: This exquisite, imaginary landscape scene was constructed entirely by hand on the finest quality, heavy, black Satin Silk Obi, worn as a sash by an elegant, high ranking woman in 19th century Japan. The design has been created through the use of lustrous silk embroidery threads and the heavy use of "Couched," pure gold thread that was made by first painting a layer of liquid gold on thin handmade paper, and then wrapping it around several threads of silk. Because of its delicacy, it could not be sewn into the fabric; but was, instead, laid on top, and then hand stitched to it. Free style patterns based on natural phenomena are often the most recognizable as being distinctly Japanese, as their reverence for nature is part of their heritage and traditional Shinto Religion. Several of the most common of these patterns incorporated within this intricate scene are the overlapping waves and the clearly distinguishable cloud patterns, both of which express dynamic motion. To counterbalance this activity are the motionless characteristics of the carriage and boats. Each of these items carries with it added symbolism. The boat tips, for example, lying among the reeds ("Ashibune"), were taken from the Anthology Of The 36 Poets, a revered Heian Period work created in 1112. The courtly carriage (acknowledging that this Silk Fragment came from an Obi worn only by a high ranking Samurai lady) is parked among beautifully scattered cherry ("Sakura") blossoms. The Japanese word for flower, "Hana," often refers specifically to the cherry blossom. It is tied to other auspicious symbols of nature in this elaborate work, such as the pine ("Matsu"), long revered as the tree of long life and good fortune.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Japan

TYPE TEXTILE: Formal Woman's Obi

APPROXIMATE DATE OR PERIOD: Early Meiji (1868-1911)

FABRIC CONTENT and CONDITION: Silk and Couched Gold threads on black Satin Silk

FINISHED SIZE: 18 1/8" x 25"

PRESENTATION: Double acid free mats in gold and black set in a wooden gold frame brushed in black. It is protected by non glare, 97% UV glass. This antique textile fragment has been mounted in conformance with the highest standards in order to ensure a damage-free environment for its future protection.

A Certificate of Authenticity is included.

PRICE: $3250.00 

Professional packing and shipping is included within the continental United States

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