Label for: "Kimono and Obi: Romantic Echoes from Japan's Golden Age," July 10, 2016 - January 15, 2017. Maru Obi with Hi-ogi (Heian Imperial Fans) and Cranes 1912–1940, Taisho/Early Showa Eras Japan Silk with supplementary wefts of silk, metal-leafed paper strips, and metal-leafed paper strips wrapped around silk or cotton thread core, possibly synthetic materials Large fans composed of cypress blades (hi-ogi) were used by Heian court women during ceremonies and on other occasions to hide their faces. Silk cords of multiple colors held the blades together and descended from the outermost fan guards. This obi has layered hi-ogi decorated with a Heian noble’s cart (gosho-guruma), auspicious plants, flowers, and the ancient textile pattern of squares and octagons called "shokkou-mon." The motif of spreading fans is an auspicious design for weddings, symbolizing the wish for marriage to open a happy chapter in the bride’s future. Pairs of cranes flying above the hi-ogi on this obi are similarly appropriate as cranes were believed to mate for life and therefore represent marital fidelity. Bequest of Sylvia G. Straton, Rhinebeck, New York BMA 2002.685