ST-05 — Ivory Crane Obi

Source Textile — Obi Silk (Brocade)

Ivory–silver brocade obi with flying cranes across mist-like horizontal bands and cloud forms filled with geometric patterning. Tonal contrast is restrained; surface shifts between matte silk and metallic shimmer. Formal register, designed to read quietly at distance.

ST-05 obi, folded hero view — Folded view — overall tonality and metallic surface character.

Identification

ST Number

ST-05

Garment Type

Obi (construction appears formal; confirm fukuro vs. nagoya)

Primary Color Field

Ivory / silver

Secondary Colors

Warm grey, pale champagne

Condition Overview

Surface appears even; confirm fold-set and metallic wear in hand

Estimated Period

Late Shōwa to early Heisei (tentative)

ST-05 obi, length view — Length view — repeat rhythm and distribution of crane bands.

Visual analysis

ST-05 detail with flying cranes — Detail — crane silhouettes across layered horizontal bands.

Ground is a pale ivory with metallic silver areas forming soft, cloud-like shapes and mist bands. Cranes repeat in diagonal flight across the central field.

Geometric pattern fills appear within large cloud forms (fine repeating geometry rather than pictorial scenes). Motif scale is moderate; the design relies on tonal sheen more than color contrast.

Techniques

Woven brocade construction with metallic threads forming the silver fields and patterned cloud bands. The crane silhouettes appear woven (not painted), likely through supplementary weft.

Surface alternates between smooth satin-like ground and granular shimmer zones, indicating multiple weave densities.

ST-05 metallic weave close-up — Close-up — metallic yarn and weave density transitions.

Motifs & significance

ST-05 cloud geometry detail — Detail — cloud form with geometric infill patterning.

Cranes are auspicious, associated with longevity and formal celebration. The restrained palette and reliance on shimmer suggest a formal piece intended to read as refined rather than loud.

Cloud and mist bands reference atmospheric distance; the composition is decorative and rhythmic rather than narrative.

Dating

Tentative estimate: Late Shōwa to early Heisei. Tonal metallic brocade with quiet motif repetition is consistent with late 20th-century formal obi production.

Refine by inspecting reverse-side construction, stiffness, and any maker marks or labels if present.