Kinkakuji Rainbow

Motif

This vintage obi captures Kyoto’s iconic Golden Pavilion, Kinkakuji, in a stunning explosion of colors. Vivid landscapes of pine trees, cherry blossoms, peonies, and rolling mountains come to life through masterful weaving. With its intricate details and smooth, lightweight texture, this obi is a true showcase of Shōha-ori craftsmanship, a weaving technique allowing for intricate patterns with astonishing precision, so detailed that they can appear dyed rather than woven.

Textile

Like many Japanese crafts we admire today, Shōha-ori originated in China and was later reinterpreted to suit local tastes. It traces its roots to the Ming Dynasty before being introduced to Japan, where it was favored by the poet and tea master Jōha Satomura (里村紹巴, 1552–1604, Nara). His name inspired the term Shōha-ori (Jōha → Shōha).

This finely woven textile, made with tightly twisted warp and weft threads, has a smooth, lightweight, and flexible texture. Once used to wrap tea utensils, it later became cherished among kimono enthusiasts for its ease of tying and intricate patterns. Even today, Shōha-ori obi can sell for thousands of dollars.

Composition: silk 100%