What is a Japanese obi used for?
This item is an obi (oh-bee), a large sash used in traditional Japanese clothing for women. The obi functions as the tie used to keep traditional Japanese robes, known as kimono (kee-moh-no) secured in place. The obi is wrapped around the woman’s waist over the kimono and is tied in a large knot behind her back.
What is an obi in Japanese clothing?
obi, wide sash or belt made of satin or a stiff silk material, worn since ancient times in Japan to secure the kimono. A woman’s obi is about 12 feet (370 cm) long and 10 inches (25 cm) wide; a man’s obi is about three-fourths as long and one-sixth as wide.
What is a geisha obi?
An obi belt is a long decorative belt that is wrapped around the body to wear a Japanese kimono or yukata. They have no fastening, and instead are tied together in a bow or other attractive knot.
What can you make with an obi?
Large, folded pieces are made with beautiful recycled obi, meant to be displayed as art pieces. They can be used as wall hangings, table centerpieces, or even wrapped around lighting fixtures or flower arrangements.
How do you clean Japanese obi?
If you’re hand washing, use the lightest soap possible and don’t leave it to soak. If your piece is an obi, spot clean whenever possible. Some obi have layers of stiffener built into them, which may shrink if submerged. A single layer obi may be washable, but we’d recommend hand washing over machine.
What does an obi look like?
A sanjaku obi typically is shaped like a kaku obi, narrow and with short stitches. It is usually made from soft cotton-like cloth. Because of its shortness, the sanjaku obi is tied in the koma musubi style, which is much like a square knot.
How do you hang obi?
Make a runner by first laying the obi down the long center of the table. Match the obi and table centers, allowing the obi to drape over the narrow ends of the table. Place a weighted object on top of the obi center to hold it in place while folding.
How do you match a kimono with obi?
The kimono and obi should be shades of the same color. For a light orange kimono, choose a yellow or red obi of the same color to coordinate the shading. This is a very calm coordination, so it is suitable for a small stage show, a dinner, or party. 2, Match an obi of the same color as one of the colors in the kimono.
How do you store obi?
How do I store my kimono, obi, kimono jacket, etc.? For long-term storage, we recommend folding your wafuku and storing everything in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Sunlight is great for killing vampires (the old-fashioned kind) and bleaching out the color of your garment.
Can you wear an obi with a yukata?
Take a look below to see how to put one on and also how to tie the obi or sash in a simple ribbon style bow. 1. Slip on the yukata and take the front of both sides. Pull the yukata out and up in front of you.
How do I keep my obi fresh?
To maintain freshness after opening wet it and Store it in the fridge in an airtight container.
What are Obi OBIS?
Obis are wide fabric sashes, usually woven in silk & worn with a Japanese kimono. Explore the traditional Japanese Obi patterns & themes with us. Obis are wide fabric sashes, usually woven in silk & worn with a Japanese kimono. Explore the traditional Japanese Obi patterns & themes with us.
What is an obi kimono?
Today, the Obi come in varied style from woven to dyed, single color to beautiful multiple colored works of textile art. The two types of Obi for Men are – the Kaku Obi, (which is stiff) and the Heko Obi (which is soft). The Obi for woman was not a part of their kimono ensemble until the middle of the Edo period.
What does a maiko’s Darari Obi mean?
A Maiko (Apprentice Geisha) dressed for a ceremonial occasion, her Darari Obi (Dangling Sash) is decorated with Gunbai Uchiwa, a type of War Fan used by high-ranking Samurai to signal troop movements and deflect small weapons. Gunbai Uchiwa are also used by referees in professional Sumo wrestling matches.