Description
This dramatic and unusual, handwoven, heavy Satin Silk “Fukuro” Obi, or Japanese sash, is patterned on one side only and is worn for formal and semi-formal occasions. This differentiates the Fukuro Obi from the Maru Obi, as do the facts that it has two seams, one running down each side, allowing the Obi to maintain two entirely diverse appearances.
The bright yellow surface of the Obi has been dramatically tie-dyed with a brilliant shade of orange, upon which the embroidery has been centered. The elaborate design, hand woven into the background pattern of the bright yellow side of the Obi, is that of the Paddy Plant (“Denjiso”), shaped in a diamond design. This four-petaled plant, whose leaves float on the surface of shallow water, resembles the ideograph for rice paddy. This would tend to indicate that the wealthy family who commissioned this striking Obi would have received their riches from rice fields. The elaborate Silk Thread embroidery that dominates this side consists of Chrysanthemums, the flower of the Imperial Household, and fall leaves whose design are held together by the striking appearance of the orange tie dying. Especially dramatic is the abundant use of heavy, pure gold threads that have been “Couched” to the surface of the Obi. Pure gold thread 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. The brightness of the design would suggest that the wearer was a young woman, as older women tended to wear more subdued ornamentation,
The unusual characteristic of this type of Obi is that it has an overall motif on one side, while the reverse side is simply plain in terms of decoration, although exquisite in terms of the silk weaving. The reverse side is a plain weave of pale yellow Silk that has a beautiful natural luster and shine.
A Certificate of Authenticity is included.
DATE: Mid Meiji Era (1867 – 1911)
TTAC will personally pack and ship at company expense within the continental U.S.
