|
Portions of
this fabulous Obi would turn any garment or table covering into a
magnificent art piece. Unfortunately, I did not check it well enough
before purchasing, and it is not perfect in its entirety.
DESCRIPTION: Ordinarily,
an hand woven Silk Maru Obi with this much pure White and Yellow Gold
thread would command an extraordinary price. This, out of the ordinary,
unusual Obi has an exciting Samurai motif set against a subtle
background with a natural ivory brocade pattern. Helmets ("Kabuto") were
but one part of the extraordinary clothing that made up the dress of the
Japanese battlefield, all of which expressed the traditional values of
"The Way of the Warrior." The word "Samurai" comes from "Sabaru" meaning
"to serve," and the Samurai persists as Japan's greatest folk hero.
The helmet is outfitted with the unique shape of the Lion or "ShiShi"
Dog that were often used as Guardian dogs at shrines and temples in an
effort to ward off evil. Thus, this artistic rendering of the Lion Dog
would also carry a religious as well as a martial significance. Because
of the eye catching design, this once magnificent Obi would have been
worn by a young wife of a powerful Samurai family.
The overall effect of this Obi is one of great prosperity, youth and
beauty, while the gold stripes at the bottom of the Obi denote that a
woman of high rank and status in Japanese society wore this Obi.
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
Japan
TYPE TEXTILE: This
is a lovely, 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: Late
Meiji Era (1868 - 1911), ca the turn of the century
FABRIC CONTENT and CONDITION:
Pure Silk with a tremendous amount of Pure Gold threads.
FINISHED SIZE: 12 ¾ inches wide x 13 ¼ feet long
PRESENTATION: Creates an unusual wall hanging, or table or chest runner.
Would also make striking place mats.
A Certificate of Authenticity
is included.
PRICE: $325
(I paid 3 x this price!)
TTAC
will personally pack and ship via UPS at company expense within the
continental U.S.
| 
