Beige with Gold & Black Bamboo (2205)

Description The sparkle of the pure gold threads is far greater than is pictured in these photos. The bottom left photo is the best representation of the coloring of this exceedingly subtle and very sophisticated silk Obi This is an extraordinary Fukuro Obi that belonged to a very special Samurai family in Kanazawa. It has been handwoven of pure beige Silk and Gold threads in an intricate background pattern of horizontally flowing lines resembling mystic, hilly, mountainous terrain. Mountains (“Yama”) hold a special place in Japanese cultural and religious beliefs, especially in Kanazawa, which sits on the west coast and is separated from the rest of Japan by mountains. Almost 85% of Japan is covered by mountains and, thus, it is understandable that they would figure prominently in the artistic design of local families. The dramatic black, gray and gold Bamboo (“Take”) are superimposed over this backdrop to reinforce an overall feeling of a mountainous landscape. The Bamboo (“Take”) is one of the “3 friends of winter” and is considered a good omen. It is considered versatile, graceful and auspicious, and has played a large role in Japan. In addition, the strength and flexibility of Bamboo have taken it far from the nobility’s garden into all aspects of everyday life in Japan. The Japanese word for Bamboo, take, is homophonous with words for “warrior” and “bravery” and sounds like the words for “tall” and “hawk.” The overall effect of this Obi is one of great beauty, while the narrow gold stripes at the bottom of the pattern denote that a woman of high rank and wealth in Japanese society wore this Obi. One end of this long, rectangular Obi has been skillfully folded in half and then tied in a bow of typical obi design. A marvelous Japanese Artisan (herself of Samurai lineage) created this artistic representation in order to display year-round the beauty of this wonderful textile, as easily as one would hang a painting. Silk thread has been used on the back to support the tying of this Obi. The Bow is held in place with a matching Silk, hand braided, “Obi-jime,” or cord that echoes the color and beauty of the Obi. The Obi-jime is as old as the Obi itself. A Certificate of Authenticity is included. TTAC will personally pack and ship via UPS at company expense within the continental U.S.