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This is an extraordinarily rare, double-patterned silk Obi...the most difficult of all Obi to hand weave. Both the fan and the natural scene are detailed and fine.

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. Ordinarily, 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; this is, in fact, a 2-sided Maru Obi with one seam, but with 2 entirely different designs, woven at the same time. On one side are the various traditional elements of nature, and on the other side is a fabulous Meiji Jimon repeat pattern of open scattered fans ("Senmem Chirashi"), individually decorated. It took a Master weaver to create 2 entirely different designs, side by side, carrying out the same color scheme. In addition, it is a very lustrous, finely woven Silk Obi that has a wonderful sheen that, when turned in different directions and in different light, will appear to change color. This is a sign of a very high quality Obi. The colors are from natural dyes and are the more traditional colors of ancient Japan.

The scattered fan design includes open and closed fan, among abstract geometric shapes reflecting traditional textile patterns such as ("Kikko") or hexagonal tortoise shells, Shippo brocade pattern composed of roundels and squares sometimes referred to as cloisonné, and the abstract diamond lozenge pattern...all of them dating back to the Heian Court. Each open fan has been further decorated with Peonies ("Botan"), Bamboo ("Take"), Plum blossoms ("Ume"), and landscapes with thatched huts among Pine ("Matsu") and meandering stream ("Nagare"). The reverse side complements each of these items by enlarging the same aspects of nature: stylized images of Chrysanthemum ("Kiku"), Pine fronds, Plum blossoms, and the same geometric patterns appearing on open book-like scrolls. Thus, the same theme appears on both sides, one on the useful and beautiful fan, and the other on a symbol of wisdom. Each of these elements represent a totality of nobility, longevity, strength and flexibility. Although this is a very strong overall design, the traditional colors are more subtle and subdued. This coloration indicates that a younger, married woman wore this elegant Obi.

This double-sided antique Obi is the most difficult of the Obi to weave, as two entirely different patterns are created simultaneously, side-by-side, with only a single side seam. The intricacy of the designs attests to the artistry of the weaver and the wealth and status of the wearer. The overall effect of this Obi is one of great wealth and beauty, while the use of burnished gold in the pattern indicates understated sophistication and affluence. This luxurious, hand-woven “Maru” Obi (Japanese Woman’s sash or belt) was the ultimate accessory for the Kimono.

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,

APPROXIMATE DATE OR PERIOD: Meiji Era (1868 - 1911), ca 1880

FABRIC CONTENT and CONDITION: Handwoven of the finest quality Silk threads, 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, especially to show the two entirely different patterns with the or extraordinary table or chest runner.

A Certificate of Authenticity is included.

PRICE: $2300

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