Miayjima

Motif

With around 100 000 shrines in Japan, it may be difficult to recognize exactly which one is featured on an antique fabric that is found without its original box. But his obi here displays a shrine with such particular features that I am almost sure I can recognize it.

A majestic torii gate floating on the water stands right before a vast building at the feet of the mountains. Looking at this very unique architecture, no doubt this is Itsukushima Shrine. Located in Hiroshima prefecture, on the island of Itsukushima, also called Miyajima (literally “the shrine island”). The shrine is built on a stilt structure which in times of high tide, make it look as if it was floating on the Seto Sea.

A little further, a five-stories pagoda and a few other roofs of the same colours are standing out of the forest, this is Senjokaku temple, also built on the island.

The motif of the bridge in a Japanese garden is a reference to the Momijidani Parc, located behind Itsukushima Shrine.

This location is very famous for its unique and scenic view, but it is also a very important place of worship in Shinto religion. The entire island is sacred, therefore it is forbidden to cut trees, and you can enjoy a very lush forest if you ever visit.

On this obi the water and the clouds are represented gold, as if this was in fact a painting on a gold leaves-covered folding screen.

FABRIC

• technique: jacquard

• yarns: lamé threads & silk

The motifs are accurately detailed and the mix of coloured silk threads and guilded thread gives them an interesting texture.

Framing

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 (Itsukushima Shrine, Momijidani Parc or Sojenjokaku temple) so I can frame it onto your bag when I create it.

For a larger bag design, I will be able to make them all appear on the bag. See some examples of previous orders below. See some examples of previous orders at the bottom bottom of the page.