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Headband (Kazura-obi) and Sash (Koshi-obi) with Ivy

late 18th–early 19th century

Not on view

Headbands such as this one with a pattern of ivy and stylized arabesques (karakusa), are tied around the head to hold wigs in place for female roles. As with sashes, only the midsection (across the forehead) and the trailing ends are decorated. This elegant set has a green ground with silk embroidery featuring fixed stitches. The plain-weave ramie sections are embellished with stenciled gold-leaf patterns (surihaku) of paulownia flowers and leaves.

Headband (Kazura-obi) and Sash (Koshi-obi) with Ivy, Silk satin with silk embroidery, Japan — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

緑地蔦唐草模様鬘帯と腰帯

Title: Headband (Kazura-obi) and Sash (Koshi-obi) with Ivy

Period: Edo period (1615–1868)

Date: late 18th–early 19th century

Culture: Japan

Medium: Silk satin with silk embroidery

Dimensions: Headband (a): 1 7/8 in. × 91 in. (4.8 × 231.1 cm)
Belt (b): 2 3/4 in. × 8 ft. 9 in. (7 × 266.7 cm)

Classification: Costumes

Credit Line: Lent by John C. Weber Collection

The Met

Asian Art at The Met

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world.