Kiwaku blossoms

Motif

ManA lot of obis are adorned with seasonal motifs, making them suitable for only specific times of the year. However, celebratory obi like this one often feature designs that represent several seasons at once, allowing us to enjoy them year-round.

In this rich motif, you can recognise bamboo grass and some of Japan’s most symbolic flowers dancing before gold waves splashing: plum and cherry blossoms, wisterias and chrysanthemums. And in the middle of all this joyful arrangement, there is an element that the sewer I am appreciates a lot: a Kiwaki. A wooden bobbin covered of silk threads. These traditionally used by textile weavers, including obi weavers. I find it amusing that craftmen represent their very tools in the centre of their artworks, paying a tribute to the precious silk threads.

The golden parts of the motif, made of silk and lamé, have a highly shimmering effect. The black parts are almost matte, with a soft shimer caused by the luster of the silk.