Antique Black Japanese Obi, Cranes and Chrysanthemums
This is an old silk satin obi in maru obi style (design runs on both sides from one end to the other). This obi was probably made from a uchikake gown. It is very soft and feather light with soft padding inside. The padding is wrapped with floss silk inside to keep the soft material and padding intact - you need many years of experience. The design is auspicious with cranes, chrysanthemums and sho-chiku-bai (pine, bamboo, plum blossoms), all delicately woven with floss (untwisted) silk yarns. The black satin obi such as this one was popular from the 19th to the early 20th century. The quality varies tremendously; the newer it became, the quality would lessen. This is an older silk with the design rubbed off in some areas (non-twisted silk yarns are lustrous but not strong), particularly on each end (except one end). Never the less, it is very pretty. Dimensions: 12.6"W x 12' 9.5"L (32cm x 390cm)
