Japanese Ceramic Obidome, Red Autumn Leaf in Kyoto

The actual colors are gentle; red in blue/purple tint with a soft blue color. What did not show in the photos are the exact matching colors of the ceramic leaf and silk cord. It is a work of art from the Kyoto area; ceramic possibly from one of the Kiyomizu kilns, and silk and dye work of Kyoto. Shown on the label is Matsumasa’s four digit phone number - early piece. Obidome: approx. 1 3/4” x 1 5/8”, Obijime cord, 46” long and 3/8” in width.

Obidome is an accent piece used on the front area of an obi sash. It will be attached on the obijime (obi cord) which is used to hold an obi sash together. You can think of it as a decorative belt buckle without its function as a buckle. This is one of the few jewelry pieces worn by Japanese women when they are formally dressed in kimonos. No rings, earings or necklaces are permitted. This is an obidome made for an old style hand-woven silk obi cord which is skinnier and thinner than what is used today. This can be used in different ways as a choker necklace, belt, etc. Obi cord included. The dimensions of Hannya mask: 2 inches x 1 inches