Obi

An obi is a kimono belt. It's style has changed over the years with the aim of making it easier to wear and put on.

Maru Obi- The maru obi is the most formal obi, it is the widest obi (approx 13 inches) and is very long with the pattern on both sides along it's length. In the middle of the 20th century it developed into the Fukuro obi, which is lighter in weight and more comfortable to wear. The pattern on it appears on the parts of the fabric that can be seen when the obi is worn. It can still be worn on ceremonial occasions but is also used for more casual wear.

Nagoya obi- the Nagoya obi became popular in the Taisho era (1912-1926). it has a narrow part for around the waist and a wide part for the decoration at the back of the wearer. Again it is easier to put on and more comfortable than the heavy Maru obi.

Hanhaba obi- the Hanhaba obi is half the width of the Maru obi and is worn for comfort with the casual kimono.

All obi make wonderful interior design statements. The textile collector will find all the Japanese Handicraft techniques used to decorate different obi, woven silk, embroidery and Yuzen dyeing to name a few.

NEW: OB1700 TAISHO MARU OBI, PHOENIX AND BUTTERFLY	NEW: OB1697 MARU OBI, EARLY SHOWA	NEW: OB1676 SUPERB TAISHO MARU OBI, PHOENIX, TSUZUMI, PINES
OB1621 FUKURO OBI, BUTTERFLIES	OB1605 RARE MARU OBI, PINE NEEDLES (Sold)	OB1604 FUKURO OBI, BUTTERFLIES
OB1597 SILK MARU OBI, PHOENIX, FANS AND FLORALS (Sold)	OB1572 FUKURO OBI, CRANES	OB1553 TAISHO HANHABA SILK OBI, PHOENIX (Sold)
OB1522 SILK NAGOYA OBI, 1930's PHOENIX	OB1516 MARU OBI, CRANES	OB1504 SILK MARU OBI, MEIJI, BAMBOO
OB1392 TAISHO MARU OBI, RARE COLOUR, PEACOCKS	OB1063 MARU OBI, CRANES AND FANS	OB982 SUMMER NAGOYA OBI, SHELLS
OB981 BINGATA SILK NAGOYA OBI, OKINAWA	OB970 MARU OBI, COUNTRY SCENE	OB727 TAISHO MARU OBI, SPARROWS/ BAMBOO