In the Clouds ~Metamorphosis~

Period/story

This obi has been carefully preserved for over a century without regular use, which has kept the weave in excellent condition and preserved the distinctive atmosphere of the Taisho era.

Explanation and Meaning of the Pattern and Colors

The artistic composition of this piece depicts phoenixes gracefully soaring among clouds and pine needles.

The phoenix has a significant place in Chinese culture as a mythical bird of auspicious omens, symbolizing peace and happiness. Legend has it that phoenix eggs have remarkable properties for promoting longevity, and the phoenix itself is closely associated with the concepts of "longevity" and "rejuvenation. This symbolism was introduced to Japan during the Nara period (710-794) and is often found on national treasures, such as the brocade textiles in the Shosoin Repository.

In East Asia, the pine tree is also considered a symbol of "longevity and immortality" due to its evergreen leaves that remain vibrant even in winter. In Japan, it's often called the "everlasting tree" for its year-round greenery, which has brought good luck since ancient times. It's an integral part of the "Sho, Chiku, Bai" trio (which means "pine, bamboo, and plum" in Japanese). The plum tree, which blooms in winter, and the bamboo, which remains green throughout the seasons, are often associated with the pine tree. Kadomatsu, a traditional pine decoration placed at the entrance of homes at New Year's, is believed to symbolize welcoming the gods.

Description of fabric characteristics

The maru-obi (丸帯), characterized by patterns on both the front and back of the obi, was a common choice for luxurious formal obi until the 1940s. However, a single maru-obi requires an immense amount of handcrafting and is typically decorated with intricate embroidery and beaten gold, making it quite heavy (sometimes up to 2 kilograms) and difficult to tie. As a result, maru-obi is no longer produced. You may still find maru-obi in antique shops, but it is rare.

This particular maru-obi, with its serene gold and brown tones, features a gradient of deep colors resembling clouds, adding an elegant and sophisticated touch to the design.

Decoration Tips

The canvas can be displayed on a table, wall, etc. You will need tacks or nails to hang it on the wall. Because it is lightweight, you can hang it with two ordinary thumb tacks. You can also place it on an easel. Perfect for redecorating your room, as a housewarming gift, as a gift or as a souvenir for your loved ones! The product is carefully packaged and shipped so it can be used as a gift on the go.

Caution

All pieces are made from real kimonos, antiques and vintage pieces. For this reason, the fabric may have traces of long-term use and minor fabric damage. If there are scratches or stains, we always add a photo of the area on the item page, so please check before you buy. Regarding precaution, cancellation and refund policy, please refer to the refund policy in the footer section of the site for information.

The last images in the gallery are the images of the back of the canvas, the mounts and the packaging.