A Patched Cotton Obi Shin: Obi Lining Cloth

early twentieth century
94" x 10 1/2", 238.75 cm x 26.5 cm

An obi shin is a quite long type of cloth that is layered inside an obi in order to give it more body and stiffness.  

Usually obi shin are quickly assembled from scraps of old cloth, with not much attention to its aesthetic appearance because this length of cloth will never, ever be seen by the owner of the obi.

This one, however, has come to light, and it is good looking. The base cloth is probably from a recycled cotton kimono which has been cut to be appropriately narrow. Stitched onto the surface of the cloth are patches which are in visual contrast to the base: they are indigo dyed cotton pieces.

When fully extended this obi shin measures 94", 238.75 cm and it would make a wonderful home accessory or an intriguing work of art to admire.