Japanese Obi or Sash with Floral Motif

Big green leaves and an orange blossom bloom over a silvery lace of tiny flowers.

This obi or sash with floral motif is from Japan, and is ca. 1940. It is silk. Flower motifs in Japanese textiles are often tied to the seasons, with plum, cherry blossom, wisteria and chrysanthemum each recalling a particular time of year. Neatly folded woven sash in pale silver-grey, patterned with small outlined flowers and one large painterly bloom in yellow-orange with bright green leaves. The lower fold shows a plain cream lining. It is 12 inches wide and 160 long.

Soft, springy and thoroughly in bloom.