A Yarn and Rag Woven Obi: Two Distinct Tonal Zones

early to mid twentieth century
96" x 6", 244 cm x 15 cm

This is a good looking sakiori obi, or a rustic, traditional kimono sash that is woven using shredded cotton cloth as its weft yarn. This particular obi seems to have been woven from a combination of rag yarns and thick, cotton yarns.

Its coloration is interesting because the first 24" or 61 cm is dark in tone and the balance of the obi is lighter in tone. The colors are dark and medium toned neutrals.

There are ingrained creases to the obi, a bit of color bleeding and a small hole to the black are of the sash but overall it is unusual for its color change and for its combination of rag and yarn weft.