An Interesting Patterned Woven Obi: Twisted Duo-tone Weft Yarn

ca. early to mid twentieth century
90" x 4 1/2", 228.5 cm x 11.5 cm

This is a really lovely narrow, rustic obi which at first glance has the look of a sakiori obi, one whose weft yarns are made from shredded rags.

In fact this is not sakiori, but one that was probably made for everyday use and one that has a very interesting pattern of what appears to be undulating, varied tones of dark and light.

This undulating effect has to do with the weft yarns: the weft is fed with a light and a dark yarn that are twisted together that when woven create this moire effect.  One-third of the width of the obi is a grey color, two-thirds of the obi is a blue color which is due to a grey and blue warp being used.  Note the one warp of golden thread that separates the grey from the blue sides.

In good, used condition, and a really attractive, old obi.