Motifs from Ōkyo Maruyama's folding screen "Pine Trees in the Snow"

This piece is a testament to elegance and to the Japanese splendor, seamlessly blending presence and magnificence with abundant gold, yet maintaining a serene and delicate beauty within its composed aesthetic.

Maruyama Ōkyo, a seminal figure in mid-Edo period Japanese painting, is celebrated for his pioneering contributions to modern Japanese art. This obi prominently features the motif from his renowned work "Pine Trees in Snow", housed at the Mitsui Memorial Museum, on the front side. Motifs from "Amid Bamboo and Wind Bamboo Screen", in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and "Ink Plum Blossoms", from the Kyoto National Museum adorn the reverse.

On the front, the warp is crafted with silver leaf yarn and the weft with gold leaf yarn, emulating the wintry ambiance captured by Ōkyo. This results in a depiction of a serene morning scene, illuminated by a subdued yet resplendent light. The intricate weaving technique enhances the realistic portrayal of pine trees, while snow-covered branches are rendered with a delicate platinum leaf yarn, imparting a soft, tactile quality.

The reverse side features Ōkyo’s bamboo and plum motifs, skillfully woven by Nishijin textile artisans. Here, the inherent suppleness of bamboo and the opulence of plum blossoms are artfully integrated, resulting in a fresh and vibrant pattern.

With gold leaf and platinum leaf