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Obi (both singular and plural) are the "belts" worn by Japanese women when they wear kimono. This decorative belt is usually 12-14 inches wide and extends from the waist to the breast. It wraps several times around the waist and ends in a decorative knot or bow at the center back. Although obi are thought to keep the closureless kimono wrapped shut, in fact, its purpose is more nearly decorative and a place in which to slip narrow objects, such as a closed fan, small compact, money holder and/or hankerchief. Underneath the obi are softer, more pliable tightly tied sashes that actually keep the kimono firmly in place. As additional security, on the outside of the obi is another narrow, woven sash called "obihimo" which knots attractively at the center front (often with sculptured slides called "obi jime" added for decoration) and helps to hold the 9 foot long obi in place around the body.
Here in the West, we use obi for more decorative purposes in the home rather than on the body. They make beautiful table runners; are elegant draped over a chest, hanging from rods as wallhangings or twisted around a rod above a picture window with an end hanging down one side of the window. Some damaged obi we take apart and cut up for pillow coverings, patchwork quilts and, yes, even for incorporation into garments such as evening jackets and vests.
We offer the following from our collection silk obi. Please note that we offer two types:
MODERN or FUKURO OBI have the design on only part of one side. The other side is lined with an appropriate color. MARU OBI have a full design on both sides.
For the MODERN OR FUKURO type we have measured the design or pattern to be 2.75 yards with design, 1.2 yards that has no design and another part that has a design measuring about 1/3rd of a yard. Some may be surprised to discover that all obi are in fact almost 13 feet long!
On our recent tour, we noted that the cost of obi in the quality we provide increased significantly. Many poor quality ones now cost more than those appearing on our web site. We inquired about this and were told that Japanese ladies prefer western style dress over the far more expensive and less comfortable kimono/obi. Consequently, the price for used ones in good condition has skyrocketed.
Above left is obi #23: this MARU obi features an art deco design with colors of red, pink, peach, white and gold. Price was $300 now $200
Above right is obi H irridescent flowers and gold leaves. Price was $260 now reduced to $175
Below left is obi 20 green with hexigons and backbound of geometrics. Price was $175 now reduced to $125
Below right is obi 21 silver background with lt green geometics with flowers and drums. Price was $200 now reduced to $150
Above left is obi F: grometics in gold on black. Price was $250 now $150
Above right is obi M; many fans. Price was $225 now reduced to $150
Lower left is obi C phoenix, chrysthamums and diamonds Price was $225 now reduced to $150
Lower right is obi D modern, hexagons. Price $95
Above left is obi J modern, cranes, butterflies, maple leaves, pines. Price was $240 now reduced to $175
Upper right is obi L modern, peonies, mums, maple leaves, cranes. Price was $245 now reduced to $175
Above left is obi 20 priced at $175: modern with medallions of bamboo & palwonia leavs plus crysthamums
Above right is obi 21 priced at $200: modern with medallions of flowers & drums in green, red, yellow, silver on silver background
Below left is obi #11 a maru obi Price was $300 now reduced to ...sold
Below right is obi T multiple fans and geometrics. Price was $240 now reduced to $175
