The obi collection
In my Kyoto studio, I collect and curate vintage and antique obi—traditional Japanese silk sashes once worn with a kimono.
Often the most richly decorated part of the garment, obi features intricate woven or embroidered scenes, from seasonal flowers to landscapes and cultural motifs.
Each piece in this collection has been carefully sourced across Japan and selected for its beauty, craftsmanship, and storytelling.
This page invites you to explore these textiles by theme, and discover the depth and diversity of Japanese obi design—whether you are choosing a fabric for a custom bag or simply appreciating their unique character.
Floral & Seasonal Motifs
From plum blossoms to chrysanthemums, these motifs echo the passing of time and the beauty found in each moment.
Plum blossoms, camellias, peonies, irises, and more.
Landscapes & Iconic Places
Some obi capture glimpses of Japan’s landscapes—temples, bridges, and distant mountains—like fragments of a journey woven into silk. They evoke places both real and remembered.
Mount Fuji, Kyoto’s zen gardens, Nara’s deer shrine, and more.
Cranes, butterflies, and other creatures carry layers of meaning in Japanese culture, often associated with longevity, transformation, or good fortune. These motifs bring a quiet symbolism to the fabric.
Mount Fuji, Kyoto’s zen gardens, Nara’s deer shrine, and more.
Birds & Symbolic Animals
These obi unfold like stories, depicting scenes inspired by classical literature, court life, and historical imagery. Each one invites a closer look, revealing details that emerge over time.
Mount Fuji, Kyoto’s zen gardens, Nara’s deer shrine, and more.
Historical Scenes & Stories
Wagara are traditional patterns built on repetition and balance. Geometric yet expressive, they reflect a refined sense of rhythm that has shaped Japanese design for centuries.
Mount Fuji, Kyoto’s zen gardens, Nara’s deer shrine, and more.
