{"product_id":"antique-japanese-silk-maru-obi-gold-brocade-crane-fan-pine-nishijin-13l","title":"Antique Japanese Silk Maru Obi Gold Brocade Crane Fan Pine Nishijin 13'L","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAntique Japanese Maru Obi (丸帯) — Nishijin 西陣 Karaori Brocade, Cranes \u0026amp; Fans on Gold Ground, Opened Seam \/ Yardage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eJapan, Meiji–Taisho period (circa late 1800s–1920s), estimated\u003cbr\u003e156″L × 13″W (396 × 33 cm) — seam opened, lies flat\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis is a maru obi, the fully brocaded, most formal category of women's obi, patterned identically on both faces along its entire length. The seam running down one long edge has been opened, so the sash now unfolds into a single continuous panel of gold-ground silk brocade rather than the doubled tube of a finished obi, leaving a generous 13-foot length of intact weaving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eRepeating fan-shaped (ougi) medallions frame flying cranes (tsuru), clustered pine (matsu), plum blossom, and chrysanthemum drifting among gold clouds — a pairing of longevity, fidelity, and good fortune long favored for bridal and formal maru obi. The metallic ground is built up in supplementary-weft brocading in the karaori manner, with crane wings picked out in black and white silk floats against burnished gold and moss-green pine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eMaru obi were the costliest and most labor-intensive obi format, reserved for weddings, coming-of-age ceremonies, and formal portraiture before the lighter fukuro obi took over everyday formal wear. A woven selvage label at one end reads 瑞光 (Zuikō) alongside 唐織 (karaori) and a 西陣 (Nishijin) designation, with a red roundel chop — almost certainly identifying the Kyoto Nishijin weaving house behind the piece, though the specific workshop hasn't been further researched.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWith the seam released, the piece works equally well today as a lavish length of Japanese gold brocade — ready to mount, frame, or repurpose into obi-inspired accessories, garments, or interior textile work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForm:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maru obi (fully brocaded formal obi), seam opened and laid flat as a continuous panel\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConstruction\/Decoration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nishijin-style karaori supplementary-weft brocade; gold metallic ground with polychrome silk florals; repeating fan medallions enclosing cranes, pine, plum, and chrysanthemum\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMark:\u003c\/strong\u003e Woven label reading 瑞光 (Zuikō) with 唐織 (karaori) and 西陣 (Nishijin), plus a red roundel chop\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Meiji–Taisho, Japan (circa late 1800s–1920s), estimated\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 156″L × 13″W (396 × 33 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unknown\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Scattered small dark spots\/staining on the gold ground (visible in detail shots), light overall soiling consistent with age; fringe at one end intact; opened seam is intentional, not a flaw\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shogun's Gallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52932366696765,"sku":null,"price":130.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/2348\/3709\/files\/7C7B2B56-508C-44A4-922E-80F658F825D2_1_105_c.jpg?v=1787769777","url":"https:\/\/shogunsgallery.com\/products\/antique-japanese-silk-maru-obi-gold-brocade-crane-fan-pine-nishijin-13l","provider":"Shogun's Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}