This listing is for a vintage Japanese maru-style obi from the Fuller Collection. See below for details on this exceptional group of Japanese textiles.

This obi features a collage of brightly colored, traditional, auspicious motifs that includes cranes swooping near a little hut at the end of an arched bridge. Also imperial carts, a teahouse balcony, bamboo, plum blossoms, pine, mums, and more. Look closely to see that all of these images are on a folding fan motif. But wait, there's more!

On the backside is a series of hexagons - a nod to the tortoise shell, which symbolizes longevity - and each is filled with pine or a fu dog (protector) motif. It's unusual for an obi to have two different patterns on the back and front, but it speaks to the wealth of the original owner and their need for a versatile formal obi.

Maru obi are patterned on both sides and are the full 14" width throughout. They are usually the most expensive version of an obi since they are patterned on both sides - even though one side will never be seen by the public. Maru obi are worn for the most formal occasions, such as weddings.

Excellent condition, silk and within the typical maru obi measurements: approximately 11 feet long in total and 14 inches wide.

The Fuller Collection - originally over 2000 pieces - was the passion and pride of Richard Fuller of Chicago, IL and Wabasha, MN. Richard served as a US Marine in post-war Japan, and there began his love of and appreciation for vintage Japanese kimono and obi. Richard saw that the mastery and artisanship of traditional Japanese textile techniques was waning - threatening to die out all together - which sparked his mission to promote this industry and preserve what he could.

Together with his wife Janith, Richard invested in thousands of kimono and obi, opening Wind Whisper West, a kimono Gallery in Wabasha in 2003. Most of the collection was sold there but several hundred pieces remain. Richard passed in 2020, and Janith has consigned the remainder of the collection to Kyoto Kimono to offer through our website. We are honored and proud to be stewarding the Fuller Collection as each piece finds its new home and continues to bring wonder and beauty to admirers around the world.