Vintage japanese obi with red and yellow camellias on silver background, silk brocade on sale obi, obi wall hanging
Love Japanese Style Like We Do
vintage japanese obi with red and yellow camellias on silver background, silk brocade obi, obi wall hanging
(listing for obi only)
This lovely, vintage rokutsu fukuro obi features a camellia tree that appears to be supported by a singular upright bamboo stem. The red and mustard yellow camellias ("tsubaki") with their green leaves look striking on the silver background.
The bamboo is in the middle of the scene and because it appears to support the camellia tree it gives the impression of strength. And indeed in Japan, because bamboo is a strong plant with sturdy roots it is a symbol of strength. It also symbolizes prosperity and flexibility.
In Japan, camellias symbolize love. It also represents passion and perfection. The camellia is so beloved in Japan that it is also called “the rose of Japan”.
Display this gorgeous obi on a wooden hanger teamed with tasseled, hanging scroll weights, for a nice accent. A table runner or bed runner is another great option. Or, if you like to sew, it would make up wonderful cushion covers or tote bags.
Rokutsu obi is referred to as the "60% fukuro obi" which means the main design is arranged on the part which is wrapped around the waist (Tesaki) and another part that is tied on the back (Tare). The front brocade section (Tesaki) is about 167 cm (65.7"). And smaller brocade part (Tare) of about 60 cm (23.6") . The back of the obi is gray.
The brocade section is in very good condition. This is a vintage obi so please understand that there may be some small stains and age discoloration. We try to check each obi carefully and only list items we feel are worthy of display.
- measures 31 cm (12.2") wide and is about 436 cm (171.6") long.
- weighs 814 gm.
To view the obi hanger, fuchin or other obi please click here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JapanDownUnder?ref=shop_sugg§ion_id=23377855
SHIPPING INFORMATION
- please read the shipping notes in our shop announcement.
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BAMBOO
Bamboo (take), being a very strong plant with very sturdy roots is a symbol of prosperity and strength in Japan. It is also a symbol of innocence and purity. Bamboo stalks are beautifully simple and unadorned. There is a saying in Japan that a man with a frank nature is like fresh split bamboo.
The subject of bamboo can be found in stories from ancient times. One famous story is The Princess Kaguya or The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. It is about a princess who is found inside a bamboo stalk. An old man and woman raise her and she grows into a beautiful young woman. She has many marriage proposals but she never gets married. Eventually, one evening when there is a full moon, she returns to the moon which is actually her birthplace.
Bamboo and bamboo grass (sasa) are often used in Japanese festivals to ward off evil. There is a special festival in Japan called Tanabata whereby people write their wishes on color strips of paper.
Due to on sale Japan's climate bamboo grows almost everywhere in Japan. It is often used in construction and for Japanese handicrafts. A special wood instrument called Shakuhachi is made of bamboo. And bamboo sprouts called takenoko are used in Japanese cooking.
Bamboo, with pine and plum (sho-chiku-bai) make an auspicious combination and symbolize long life, strength and vitality. The bamboo stands for strength and flexibility, the pine represents longevity and endurance and the plum stands for a youthful spirit. The name Sho-chiku-bai is the name of a Japanese sake brand.
CAMELLIA
The kanji for camellia (tsubaki) actually originated in Japan and consists of a combination of spring and tree. Japanese have a deep affection for camellias as being a late winter flower, they evoke the feeling of spring.
During the Edo period, camellias were very popular with nobles. For warriors and samurai, the red camellia symbolized a noble death. Nowadays a red camellia means love. A white camellia means patience waiting, while the yellow camellia conveys longing.
The pink, red, and white blossoms of the camellia often appear in traditional Japanese patterns. The camellia flower symbolizes humility, admiration, and discretion. Due to the fact the flower is delicate the camellia features more in Japanese art than as a gift.
FUKURO OBI
The fukuro obi was created in the late 1920's and is made in generally three types. The most formal and expensive fukuro obi is patterned with brocade on both sides. It is called Zentsu-gara. (Zen refers to all, tsu means through and gara is the design or pattern.)
The second type is covered in two-thirds with patterns and is referred to as the "60% fukuro obi". It is called Rokutsu. This type is lighter than the first type. The main designs are arranged on one part which is wrapped around the waist which is called Tesaki and another part which is tied on the back which is referred to as Tare.
The third type has patterns only in the area that will be seen when the obi is worn in the common taiko musubi style (a type of obi knot). The main designs are displayed on the front of the body and the part coming out at the back when girded.
When the pattern is shown in the front of the obi it is Mae-gara. Mae means front and gara means the pattern or the design. If the design is shown on the back of the obi, it is called
Otaiko-gara.
The part of the obi that goes around the body is folded in half. Usually, Nagoya-obi are folded in half for ease of use, and other obis come ready folded in half and stitched.
The average fukuro obi measures about 30 cms (12") in width and from about 360 cms (141.7") to 450 cms (177.1") in length.