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The original Obi
The Tale of Genji
The Tale of Genji, written in the early 11th century by Murasaki Shikibu, a lady-in-waiting at the Heian court, is often considered the world's first novel. It is renowned for its exquisite illustrations, which have inspired Japanese artists and craftsmen for centuries. As always, the obi weavers are no exception, and this obi is one of the most beautiful specimens I purchased.
The background is woven with golden threads, creating a square-scale pattern. This design symbolizes the application of gold leaf, referencing traditional folding screen paintings where gold leaf is often applied to the background.
More Bags from the same Obi
Bumbag
Mikan original bumbag, made of vintage obi silk and new materials. Light, sturdy & water-resistant.
The motif represents a folding screen painting, as if gold leaves were applied on the backdrop, and the natural elements painted on top, with a beautiful sense of detail.
The original obi is visible below. You can see that I purposely selected the “quieter” pieces of the motif, with only natural elements represented (water flowing and pine trees). I wanted to bring attention to the highly textured backdrop, with the scaly pattern that typically appears when gold leaves are applied. The very simple background also makes the natural geometry of the pines stand out.
The rest of the obi show interesting historical scenes, and another bumbag will also feature them, linked at the bottom of this page.
Materials
Front: Nishijin-ori jacquard silk & lamé
Back : resistant 3D mesh polyester & nylon mix, olive green
Golden zipper
Wide, adjustable and removable nylon strap (50 cm x 170 cm / 19.6 in x 67 in) gold & green
Details
height: 19 cm in the centre front
width: 18 cm at the bottom, 29 cm at the widest
depth: up to 15 cm
2 front compartments
Made in Kyoto, with love ♡
iPad, tablet Sleeve
Mikan original creation.
This bag was handcrafted in my studio in Kyoto, using vintage Japanese obi silk.
Features
Highly padded, this sleeve will protect your iPad or other tablet brand by giving it a snuggly hug.
Motif and fabric details
The motif represents a bridge over a water stream, surrounded by pine trees. The background is covered with a textured scaly pattern as if this were in fact a painting on a gold-leaf-covered folding screen.
Materials
Obi textile 90% silk, 10% lamé
Inner lining 100% silk
Dimension
It can fit an 11-inch tablet with a thin case.
Made in Kyoto, with love ♡