A Rustic Hand Woven Obi: Sakiori or Rag Weave-like

mid twentieth century
114" x 5 3/4", 289.5 cm x 14.5 cm

This is a good looking, rustically woven obi or kimono sash that is made of a cotton warp and probably thick, cotton weft yarns. The effect is that of a rag woven obi and at first glance you might think it is sakiori or rag weave.

The design or the coloration is interesting because it flickered or mottled due to several different colored twinned warp yarns and weft yarns of similarly twinned-toned yarns.

The color is a strange kind of rust tone, possibly less yellow that shown here but it seems to change depending on the light. The essential characteristic of this obi is its unusual twinned yarns which create small, variegated tones and a textured effect.

In good condition this is a handsome, traditional kimono sash whose variation in design is surprising and visually interesting.