Arashiyama bridge

MOTIF

*Correction* After conducting more extensive research, I have discovered that this is not the renowned Togetsukyo Bridge situated in Arashiyama, but instead, an earlier version of the Sanjo Bridge, located in downtown Kyoto."

The motif is, in fact, a combination of two illustrations from the series "Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido" by the ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige, created in 1833-1834. The illustration representing the bridge is the last piece in the series: The End of the Tokaido: Arriving at Kyoto. In its current form, the modern-day Sanjo Bridge bears little resemblance to this depiction, and the Kyoto cityscape in the background appears much smaller than its present size. This, perhaps, contributes to its resemblance to Arashiyama. Below is a photo of a bag I made with the Togetsukyo bridge for comparaison.

But the motif also features another illustartion. The wide rocky mountain visible on the lefthand side refers to Station 10 : Hakone. In the original illustration, Mount Fuji stands behind the clouds, opposite to the big rocky summit. However, the artist who created this obi chose not to include the famous mountain. The reason behind this decision remains a mystery. It is possible that by omitting Mount Fuji, the artist intended to transform these well-known landscapes into a more general representation suitable for all regions of Japan. Another theory is that including Mount Fuji might have overshadowed the other elements depicted in this motif.

In this representation, the artist chose an abstract colour palette, of pastel tones and pale silver hues. This choice leaves us free from our own interpretation. Could the colours refer to a cold foggy morning, or of the pale colours of spring blooms?

FABRIC

This jacquard obi is woven of silk threads and thin silvery slats. The warp itself is made of a silvery slat which gives this fabric an intense shine when it moves in the light.

Mountains and clouds have a thin silver outline that, when observed in different lights and angles, shines with varying levels of intensity.

CUSTOM ORDER

When ordering a bumbag, keep in mind that it will not be possible to feature the entire motif on the same bag. Please indicate your favourite part or colour so I can frame it onto your bag when I create it. For a larger bag, the entire motif can be displayed (see the examples below).