Motif

In Japan, there are a countless numbers of shinto festivals called “matsuri”. Many shrines have their own festival celebrated every year, the bigger the shrine, the bigger the matsuri. Gion matsuri is celebrated on the second weekend of July in Kyoto and is one of the most popular Festival of Japan. The procession, made up of many floats, parades up the main street, Shijo dori, until arriving at the famous Yasaka shrine located in the Gion area.

The “mikoshi” (portable shrines) are built in the streets weeks before the celebration, and many locals join the effort. When they are ready, they are decorated with precious fabrics and antique artworks which were offered to the city over the centuries, before being hand-pulled to the main shrine.

The surrounding streets are totally closed for the duration of the festival and food trucks settle to serve spectators.

FABRIC

• technique: jacquard

• yarns: lamé threads & silk

This obi was made in the Nishijin district, weaving district of Kyoto. We can observe textured elements (scenes and characters) on a plain bright orange silk background. The motifs are accurately detailed, which is one characteristics of Nishijin fabrics.