Antique Japanese Maru Obi of a Pine Motif | Taisho Textile

Dimensions: 163” (13-1/2’ l) These antique, museum quality Obi have been developed over centuries. It is a belt or sash is standardly tied around the waist. It was originally intended to shorten the Kimono of the wearer. What was once a narrow tie has evolved into an expensive and intricate work of art, often times out pricing the kimono itself. Each Obi has been hand woven of the finest Silk. It has then either been hand woven, usually incorporating hand-made pure gold threads into a design that is important to the family who commissioned it, or the occasion for which it was to be worn. In Japan, Obi is passed down as family heirlooms from generation to generation and are considered part of the wealth of the family. As a result, quality Obi are exceedingly rare.   This is a silk Maru obi has but one seam, and has been woven in a continuous repeat pattern and folded over to create two carry the same designs on both sides, (As with this type of Obi it was made for formal use - heavier a