An Overdyed Commercially Produced Shifu Obi: Paper Weft

ca. mid twentieth century
116" x 6", 295 cm x 15 cm

This subtle and dark-colored obi is a traditional kimono sash.  It is  woven from what appears to be a silk of rayon warp and commercially produced paper yarns.  More than likely this obi was woven in the mid twentieth century.

It also appears that this paper-weft obi was over dyed to achieve this rich, shimmering, coal-black color.  By looking carefully at the surface of the sash, you can see evidence of some kind of striping which the over dyeing has concealed to some degree.

As is the case with paper weft cloth, this one is extremely light in the hand, as woven paper is very lightweight.

Unusual and lovely.