A Silk Drawstring Bag: Recycled Obi

mid twentieth century
6" x 7" x 7", 15 cm x 18 cm x 18 cm

This is a charming object, it is a small drawstring bag or kinchaku that has been hand stitched from what appear to be re-purposed obi silks. The cloth most likely dates to the middle part of the 20th century. The bag is seemingly unused.

The cloth is a brocade silk with a large repeat in gold and orange threads. The bottom of the bag contrasts beautifully with its green color and its large repeat of folding fans.

This is a bag of  bold design and deft construction that shows a striking combination of colors and patterns.