Description
The intricacy of the weave of this Obi is both subtle and bold at the same time. it creates a singular and dramatic addition to the artwork in any room.
This is a lovely, hand woven 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. The natural dyes create a soothing picture of traditional Japanese items including the Fan (“Ogi”) which originated in Japan and became one of the major Japanese export items to China. It was admired for its beauty and its practical use in humid climates. The Fan shapes have been covered in Paulownia (“Kiri”) leaves and entwined with the glorious Chrysanthemum (“Kiku”) and Peony (“Botan”) bouquets. The Chrysanthemum is considered the flower of the Imperial Family, while the Peony is known as the sovereign of the flowers in China and associated with the Imperial line of China. Both are greatly admired for their loveliness and are auspicious symbols. The Plum blossom (“Ume”) and Paulownia are also included in the flowering bouquets. The mythical Phoenix (“Hoo”) is another image imported from China, where it was thought to herald the birth of a virtuous ruler. The Phoenix, bird of immortality, alights only in the branches of the Paulownia. By enclosing the Phoenix in a roundel, it has been adapted to a more characteristic Japanese form. Linking the images together are scrolling ribbon-like ties. The ivory setting provides a sophisticated counterpoint to the all encompassing design with its pastel coloration.
Because of the quiet feel of the design and the subdued color of the Obi, it would have been worn by an older, probably married, woman whose place in society was not to stand out or draw attention to herself. The fine weaving and intricacy of the design, as well as the soft feel of the Silk, would indicate that a woman of great wealth would have commissioned the creation of this Obi.
A Certificate of Authenticity is included.
TTAC will personally pack and ship via UPS at company expense within the continental U.S.
