This elegant formal silk obi (sash), dating to the early to mid-Meiji period (1868–1900), is a masterful example of Japanese textile engineering and brocade weaving. Measuring a significant 155 inches in length by a consistent 13 inches in width (393.7 cm x 33 cm), the sash is rendered in a sophisticated sage-green silk.
The textile features an intricate nishiki (brocade) weave, where multi-colored silk and metallic threads are woven into the fabric to create a dense, repeating pattern of auspicious motifs. The design is organized into horizontal registers containing stylized floral sprays, scrolling vines, and mythical or animal figures—including what appear to be lions or shishi—rendered in a harmonious palette of gold, ochre, and charcoal. Despite its age and the presence of minor fraying, the structural integrity of the heavy silk remains strong. Due to its extreme length, the piece is typically stored and displayed in a folded state.