Obi Clutch Purse

Open fans stack in rows across a soft, antique-gold ground

This is a clutch purse made from obi kimono silk. Reusing kimono and obi textiles is a long Japanese practice, and cloth from older garments is often cut into smaller items so the fabric stays in use. Thin dark outlines separate each fan. A rectangular folded clutch in a subdued silver-gold weave with fan panels holding fine leaves, lattice patterns and tiny flowers. The surface looks gently aged and even. It is 11.25 inches long, 3.25 deep and 8.5 high.

Gentle gold, with a tidy sense of rhythm.