Red silk obi age Narrow habutae silk sash dyed red with kanoko shibori ("fawn spot" tie dying) in the center section leaving the ends undecorated. To create the crinkled effect white silk prepared by tying white cotton thread around pinches of fabric to create a design resembling spots on a fawn. The piece is then dip dyed and when dry the threads are removed creating white spots where the thread resisted the dye. This obi age was not pressed so the fabric shrinks up to a narrower width than at the ends. Within the shibori there are motifs of large fans alternating with small fans (sensu) against a basket weave design with two narrow stripes on each end of the sash. Within two large fans are kiri (palownia) leaves and blossoms and two others contain 7 petalled flowers (possibly chrysanthemums)--the motifs are created by tying various sized pinches of fabric and creating rows of dots in various directions. There are selvage edges on the sides and the ends remain unfinished. The obi age is tied the obi and tucked into the top of the obi. The bright red color is appropriate for young women to wear.

1997.001.003