Japanese vintage kimono obi

On offer is this “gently used” vintage silk obi from my personal collection, acquired during the 6 years when our family was resident in Japan. The embroidered fabric measures 3.4m in total, with 600cm of the total length in plain fabric.  

In Japanese culture, a bride typically wears an elaborate, highly formal obi tied over multiple layers of white and coloured silk kimono. Bridal obi are heavily embroidered, often featuring metallic gold or silver threads, and feature auspicious motifs like cranes, peonies, or peacocks. They are tied in highly formal, elaborate knots (such as the fukurasuzume or” sparrow in flight”, which resembles the wings of a bird).  

The Obi looks beautiful when displayed artfully on a hanger or as a table runner. Many sewing enthusiasts like to use the fabric to create smaller items, such as handbags or cushion covers.

Kindly donated by the Cherry family.