Description
Early 20th Century shiny metallic Obi…very useful as an accent art piece.
This is an unusual example of a 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.
This is a striking example of an Obi intended for a smaller person, as it is narrower in width than the typical Obi. The pattern is a heavy Silver “Mon” or Family Crest design that consists of the rays of a half Sun (“Hi”) surrounded by a partial flower in a “Tamari” or Silk Ball in geometric Tortoise or hexagon (“Kikko”) shapes. “Kikko” literally means tortoise shell, and was a motif first popular among court society. The hexagon’s association with the carapace imparted auspicious connotations. In addition, to the Tortoise’s association with longevity, is the fact that is the official emblem of the immensely influential Izumo Shrine located in the north of Japan. The Sun also derived from courtly beginnings, as its legendary origins are the genesis of the Imperial Family from the Sun Goddess. The Silk Tamari Ball was associated with the entertainment of women and children of the upper classes. The distinctive shine to this sophisticated Obi makes it a stunning example of its kind.
A Certificate of Authenticity is included.
TTAC will personally pack and ship via UPS at company expense within the continental U.S.
