Yabusame Shinji
流鏑馬神事
Mounted Archery Ritual
Motif
This obi represents a famous mounted archery ritual happening in Kyoto once a year, before the Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto’s 3 biggest Shinto festivals. Established in the 8th Century, it is held annually on May 15th.
Every year, before the main parade, a mounted archery ritual called Yabusame Shinji is conducted at Shimogamo Shrine towards the begining of the month.
During this ritual, mounted archers fire arrows at targets inside the sacred Tadasu no Mori forest.
Framing
When ordering a bag, you can choose which part of the motif to feature on the bag. For larger bags, all elements of the motif will appear.
Mounted archers performing their ritual at Shimogamo Shrine’s scared forest.
Side scene showing archers and other characters getting prepared.
Previously made in this fabric
Small Travel Pouch
Made during a fun family workshop at my studio.
In-person workshop in Kyoto
If you are visiting Kyoto and would like to spend some time discovering these fabrics in person, you are welcome to visit my studio.
Together, we will design your bag from A to Z. You will choose your favourite obi and even cut the fabric yourself, selecting the exact part of the motif you love most.
I will then carefully sew and finish your bag and ship it to you once it is complete.
→ Book a studio visit and experience the fabrics with your own eyes