(Anita Jones and Ann Marie Moeller, The Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore, MD, "Kimono and Obi: Romantic Echoes from Japan's Golden Age," July 10, 2016 - January 15, 2017. Wall label text.) Maru Obi with Gosho-guruma (Noble’s Carriage) and Cranes 1912–1940, Taisho/Early Showa Eras Japan Silk with supplementary wefts of silk, and metal-leafed paper strips wrapped around silk or cotton thread core The details of the Heian nobles’ carriages (gosho-guruma) on this obi are a testament to the skill of the weaver and the vision of the fabric designer, who also included many auspicious symbols. These carriages are accompanied by snow medallions (yuki wa) outlined in white containing chrysanthemums and a glimpse of a garden fence. Chrysanthemums are symbols of longevity, while the yuki wa suggest the prosperity that winter snow will bring by providing abundant water for spring rice cultivation. “The Three Friends in Winter” (pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms) representing faithfulness,flexibility, and fortitude, also occupy a yuki wa. Clouds are patterned with the ancient textile motif of Chinese flowers within diamond shapes (karabanabishi). Cranes symbolize longevity and marital fidelity. Bequest of Sylvia G. Straton, Rhinebeck, New York, BMA 2002.689