A Handsome Sakori Obi: Narrow Ragwoven Sash

early to mid twentieth century
100" x 4", 254 cm x 10 cm

This is a beautifully colored and woven sakiori obi, or a rustic, traditional kimono sash that is woven using shredded cloth as its weft yarn.  Being so narrow, this is referred to as a han haba or half-width obi and more than likely it was intended to be worn by a man.

The warp yarns on this obi are white, brown and green which provide the bold striped pattern. The weft yarns are primarily black cotton with an occasional bar of what appears to be cream colored silk yarn--sometimes this cream shows a bit of sparkle from stray gold threads.

This is an extremely handsome obi and it is in good, used condition.

A sophisticated, elegant folk textile.