Cliffs & hills

MOTIF

This landscape shows many of the natural elements you can find on the coasts of Japan: rocky cliffs resembling old Chinese paintings, pine tree capped hills and mountains, agitated waters, a multitude of bushes in bloom…

Camouflaged in the scene is a couple of ducks by the water. Their proportions are exaggerated, making the coastal landscape resemble a lake or a pond, a common technique in Japanese Arts. As the artist creates the scene, they may play with the logic of perspective, season or proportions, aiming only for beauty in the final result.

This type of obi is called fukuro obi, which is the most formal type of obi. As a comparison, it is the western equivalent of the evening gown. By using such small motifs, this obi could be worn in very creative arrangements and complicated knots. The aim of the motif, in this case, is not to stand out but to bring colour into the outfit and draw attention to the kimono and accessories.

FABRIC