Shiki 四季
Four seasons hills
This fabric is highly shimmering and you can see the elements of the motif sometimes stand out, soemtimes become more discreet, depending on the light. To give you an idea, these three photos were taken at the same light but looking at the fabric from three different directions.
Motif
I named this fabric ‘Shiki’ (四季) as it expresses the concept of the four seasons cycle through the year. Technically only three of the four seasons are really represented but the it still makes this obi suitable for a all year-long wardrobe, as opposed to obi representing only one specific season (and will have to spend the rest of the year in the closet). The small hills reprsented on this obi are fowered with blossoms of all seasons: plum blossoms, for winter, peonies, for spring, and bell flowers for summer. The pine branches sometimes evoke winter but it is aslo a very auspicious symbol, along with the plum blossoms. and
The background is emerald green decorated with cloud-shaped representations of gold leaves.
What is the ‘gold leaves’ motif?
I encounter this motif on many obi over the years, as well as some kimono and I think I mentioned it in the past without never really explaining. So I would like to detail it a little, so you can recognize it as well when you see it. It is composed of some kind of gold square scales, representing the gold leaves applied on traditional partations. Pure gold leaves are sold in a range of size, in square shapes. When gilding partations, which is the art of applying gold leaves, the leaves slightly overlap on their edges. This process creates a pattern resembling scales, especially as the atrwork ages.
It is usually made with gold threads or gold pigment in reference of the original material.It is never used as the main object of the motif. Instead, it is used as a frame element, such as clouds or geometrical shapes that are used to separate the main elements of the motif.
A gold leave before it is applied.
A painted screen from Fukuoka city museum on which you can see the scales on the top right corner. The gold almost disappeared over the centuries, but the square pattern is still visible.
Framing
When ordering a Phone bag or a Bumbag, you can choose the details and colours of the motif you would like to feature on your bag. A bigger design like the Computer bag or the Weekender will allow the entire motif to show.
Bell flowers
Pine and plum blossoms
Previously made in this fabric
Be the first to order a bag made of this fabric!
