"Purple Stripes" Sakiori Han Obi Dark purple and cream bands in this narrow rag weave obi. A rough, slightly raised texture, and wonderful loops on one side where the weft was loosely carried across the alternatinve color band. Each weft "thread" is actually a strip of rolled paper with silk thread wound around it. See last photo for a close up. “Sakiori" means rag weave - a roughly woven obi common to rural areas and farm workers. The weft of the weave can be finely rolled silk or cotton from damaged kimono or, in this case, tightly rolled paper wrapped in silk threads - see last photo. These obi are sometimes made in to warm vests or heavy blankets - they are an example of "mottainai" - waste not, want not.
This is a han obi - the most casual level of formality to use with everyday kimono and usually tied in a simple bow. Appropriate for a man or woman. To see a great video of how to tie this han obi, click here. ______________
Silk
Length=10' Width=6" Condition: Very Good - some blemishes on the cream areas
