Obi Aid
1867-1925
Physical Qualities
Silk, stiffened paper, metal rivets, 10-1/2 x 8 in. (26.7 x 20.3 cm.) (Without ties)
Credit Line
Gift of Clara Jane Shaull, Monkton, Maryland, from the Collection of Robert S. Shaull
Object Number
1990.289
An obi aid made of stiffened and shaped paper covered in silk with silk ties. The device is tied around the waist and combines the obi pad and a stiffened circular shape that aids in the tying and gives shape to the obi. It is covered with a figured silk satin (rinzu) printed in purple and lavender on a white ground. The motif consists of diamond shapes with a dot in the center (similar to the Hitta pattern of fawn-spot tie-dye), floral motifs, and a stylized star motif called 'Hemp leaves.' Both machine and hand sewing are present.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift 1990, Clara Jane Shaull, ex. collection Robert S. Shaull, (husband) by purchase in Manchuria.
Inscribed: On lavender ribbon tied to obi aid: Four characters A second label on the inside has 11 Japanese characters and a lily design.
