Japanese Maru Obi with Cranes in Landscape

Crane with spread wings dives through a patchwork of fans and blossoms.

This silk maru obi with cranes in a landscape is from Japan, and is ca. 1940. The crane is a favored image in Japanese art and is generally associated with long life and good fortune, and it often appears on formal and celebratory textiles. Folded brocade sash showing a white bird with wings spread among fan shapes, red chrysanthemums and geometric panels. Warm reds, golds and ochres dominate against a pale ground, with gold thread glinting throughout. It is 12.5 inches wide and 153.5 long.

Great deal going on, and every part in its place.