A Shonai Obi: Paper and Cotton Kimono Sash from Yamagata

early twentieth century
134" x 10 1/2", 340.5 cm x 26.5 cm

This is a cotton and paper obi that is woven in the Shonai region of Yamagata, a northern area of Japan which is known for its paper and cotton weaving.

This obi flaunts the characteristic, complicatedly knotted fringe of the Shonai obi and it also shows the warp faced weaving technique that all Shonai obi are made from: the warp yarns are cotton and the weft yarn is paper.

The woven patterns of a Shonai obi are endless variations on the theme of stripe, this particular obi is a restrained design where as some of them are a bit fancy with different widths of stripes or gradient blue dyed patterns.

This obi seems to be in unused condition and therefore is devoid of marks, tears or stains.

Recommended.