A Short Brightly Colored Sakiori Obi: Cotton Warp

ca. mid twentieth century
88" x 5 1/2", 223.5 cm x 14 cm

This brightly colored, narrow sakiori obi is woven from a shredded cloth weft against a white cotton warp.  

The warp yarns, which are hand torn rags, seem to be taken from commercially produced cotton, judging from their bright color.  The practice of using bright colors for sakiori was not at all unusual, even in rural areas.  The availability of commercially dyed cottons spread throughout Japan, and even in remote, country regions of Japan we see these karafuru or colorful weavings in the mid-twentieth century.  Country people must have enjoyed playing with brightly colored cloth, which for such a long time was banned in Japan.

There is some very faint staining to this cloth--quite unnoticeable--and the overall condition is very good.

A good looking vintage sakiori obi.