Japanese Obi - Early Vintage Obis from Japan

Shown on these pages are several early Japanese obi--most from the famous Nishijin weaving district in Kyoto. It was here that elaborate silk brocades were produced on complex draw looms from the 15th century on. In the last part of the 19th century, in the Meiji period, jacquard loom attachments were introduced, and even more complex fabrics became fashionable. Obi with lavish use of gold and silver threads became important kimono accessories; these long sumptuous sashes were often given more attention than the kimono themselves. They were frequently more expensive. The most highly regarded were woven in complex brocade weaves, as represented in the selection on these pages.

Maru obi were the most formal, and were popular in the early 1900s. They were patterned throughout on both sides, and because of both their stiffness and exorbitant cost, they gradually were replaced with other styles.  Sometimes these obi can be opened for display, if desired, making a piece double the width, though normally traces of a fold line remain.

Fukuro obi were slightly less formal, and first appeared in the late 1920s. Because only one side was brocaded or carried other complex jacquard patterning, they were less bulky to wear than maru obi. The elaborate decoration sometimes covered the full front length, but more often covered only about 60 percent of the piece, appearing again at the far end for a few inches. The plain section was not seen when the obi was worn.

Nagoya obi were first produced in the city of Nagoya in the 1920s. A portion of this kind of obi is pre-folded and stitched in half. The narrow part wraps around the waist, while the wider length forms the bow in back.

Westerners have found multiple ways to display these luxurious textiles. They are easy to hang over a rod for a wall decoration. They make fabulous table runners, or runners for credenzas.

To see large detail photos of the obi below, click on the inventory numbers. To see a variety of Japanese kimono, click here. Or go to Japanese Textiles for embroideries, fukasa, futonji and other objects.

Shigemasa, late 18th century

The man in black kimono is weaving on a draw loom, while his young assistant perched above pulls strings to open the various complex pattern sheds. This is the kind of loom used until the Meiji period for lavish brocades and other complex weaves. In the late 19th century jacquard attachments replaced the small assistants, although the weave structures remained the same. Kano Yoshinobu, 16th century.

	Japanese Maru Obi 1940s. 12½"x 150" Silk and gold brocading on silk. K-8844
	Japanese Fukuro Obi 1940s 12"x 163" Decorated section: 12"x 101" Silk, with silk and silver brocading K-8817
	Japanese Maru Obi Meiji Period, circa 1900. 12"x 148" Silk brocading. K-5960
	Japanese Fukuro Obi Mid 1980s 11½"x 156" Decorated section: 11½"x 101" Gold and silk brocading. K-7890

	Japanese Han Haba Obi 1950s 8½"x 132½" Silk and metallic brocade. K-8594
	Japanese Maru Obi Circa 1920 12½"x 149" Silk and gold metallic brocading on silk. K-7631
	Japanese Maru Obi Meiji period, circa 1900. 13"x 160½" Silk brocading on silk. K-8065
	Japanese Maru Obi 1950s. 12½"x 162" Silver and gold brocading on silk. K-9324
	Japanese Fukuro Obi 12"x 164" Decorated section: 12"x 103" Silk satin with silver and silk brocading. K-9248
	Japanese Fukuro Obi 12"x 161" Decorated section: 12"x 100½" Gold lamé with gold, silver and silk brocading. K-8620

	Japanese Fukuro Obi 1950s. 12"x 165" Decorated section: 12"x 103½" K-8819
	Japanese Fukuro Obi 12"x 162" Decorated section: 12"x 92" Silk satin brocaded with silks and gold K-9242
	Japanese Han Habba Obi 8"x 137" Silk satin with silk, gold and silver brocading. K-9240
	Japanese Fukuro Obi 12"x 160" Decorated section: 12"x 100" Silk, with silk, gold and silver brocading K-9236

Vintage Japanese Obi - 1

From the collection of Marla Mallett

Shigemasa, late 18th century

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Japanese Obi - 2

© Marla Mallett

Vintage Japanese Obi - 1
From the collection of Marla Mallett	HOME