Japanese Textile Art

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This is one of the most lovely, antique Japanese Obi that I have ever found. The subtle colors, shiny gold threads, and the smooth flow of the design allow one to just sit in solitude and enjoy its natural beauty. (There is slightly more of the salmon pink color than the photos portray)

DESCRIPTION: This is an extraordinarily rare example of the most elaborate of the “Maru” Obi to be handwoven in the finest Silk for Japanese women before the nineteen hundreds. A Maru Obi is the most formal and expensive of the hand-woven Obi with the intricately woven pattern appearing as a duplicate on both sides. In addition to the rich sheen of the Silk threads, the artist incorporated a tremendous amount of the precious metal, gold, which lends a heavy brocade-like feel to the garment. This luxurious, hand-woven “Maru” Obi (Japanese Woman’s sash or belt) was the ultimate accessory for the Kimono.

The splendor of the autumn Moon ("Tsuki") is balanced by the slender wisps of fall grasses and the strength of the outsized flowers. This strikingly beautiful image of peonies, chrysanthemums, and autumn grasses in Gold reflected in the moon was first used in military coats worn over armor. This pattern was then adapted by the Rimpa artists of the Edo Period (1615-1867) who added to its influential design use. This lovely Obi imparts a subtle sense of elegance with its use of traditional colors. The Chrysanthemum (“Kiku”) is the flower of the Imperial Family, while the Peony (“Botan”) is also a symbol of Chinese nobility, granting a high level of sophistication to the wearer. The waning Moon (“Tsuki”) has traditionally been associated with lovers and poets. Intertwined with the Moon is a very delicate variation on the Wave (“Furu”) pattern, a design that first gained importance as the background of the Anthology of the 36 Poets.

The overall motif of the Obi indicates that it was meant to be worn in the late summer or early fall. The intricacy and boldness of the design, the inclusion of a tremendous amount of pure yellow and white gold threads, and the subtle pastel colors attest to the artistry of the weaver, while the double gold stripes at the bottom of the pattern denote that a woman of high rank and wealth in Japanese society wore this dramatic Obi.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Japan

TYPE TEXTILE: This is a rare, handwoven Silk “Maru Obi,” which is the most formal and most expensive of the Japanese Obi. A Maru Obi has but one seam, and has been woven in a continuous repeat pattern and folded over to create 2 visions of the same dramatic scene.

APPROXIMATE DATE OR PERIOD: Meiji Era (1868-1911), pre 1900

FABRIC CONTENT and CONDITION: Handwoven of the finest quality Silk threads, incorporating pure Gold threads into the design. Excellent condition.

FINISHED SIZE: Size 12 ¾ inches wide x 13 ¼ feet long

PRESENTATION: Creates an unusual and glorious wall hanging, either vertically or horizontally, or extraordinary table or chest runner.

A Certificate of Authenticity is included.

PRICE: $3250

TTAC will personally pack and ship via UPS at company expense within the continental U.S.