Today, Maruobi is valued as special obis for maiko (apprentice geisha) and weddings, but in fact, they are considered the most prestigious of all women's obis.
It is often used for formal occasions such as Furisode (long-sleeved kimono), wedding costumes, and children's obis for Shichi-Go-San (Seven-Five-Three-Three) ceremonies, making it a very expensive obi.
However, since Fukuro Obi id the most common type of Obi used for Best clothes in modern times, their production has decreased as the number of buyers has declined, making them very hard to find and very valuable.
In this article, we will introduce the charm of Maruobi in an easy-to-understand manner.
What is the characteristics of Maruobi?
An essential part of the kimono, the Maruobi is a wide, ornate sash that combines practical and aesthetic functionality.
Maruobi is thick and luxurious, carefully sewn together from sumptuous fabrics with gorgeous embroidery and intricate designs.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this obi is a masterpiece in its own right.
Because of its prestige, Maruobi is also used for wedding costumes and as children's obis for the Seven-Five-Three-Three Festival.
How to Tailor a Maruobi
Tailoring a Maruobi requires the skill of a skilled craftsman and is a time-consuming and complex process.
The fabrics used are generally high quality silk fabrics, and a series of dyeing and painting techniques are applied to create the desired color and pattern.
The width of the fabric is 70 cm and the length is over 4m35 cm.
Because it is folded in two, the pattern is the same on the front and back sides, and the finished obi is approximately 32 cm wide.
Difference between Fukuro Obi and Maruobi
At first glance, you may not be able to tell the difference between a Maruobi and a Fukuro Obi, but as soon as you hold one in your hand, you will see the difference.
As mentioned earlier, Maruobi is made by folding the obi in two, so the same pattern line is drawn on the front and back sides.
Fukuro Obi, on the other hand, are made by sewing the outer and inner fabrics together, so the reverse side is often plain.
Because of the way they are tailored, Maruobi obi can be said to be twice as heavy as Fukuro Obi.
Other factors include the fact that Fukuro Obi are slightly longer than Maruobi, and there are many different types of patterns, some of which are more casual than others.
What is Fukuro Obi? History, how to wear it, and how it differs from a round belt!
Dressing Maruobi
Wearing a Maruobi can add glamour to a kimono with simple lines due to its gorgeous design.
However, because of its weight and stiffness, the Maruobi is difficult to handle and is often referred to as "the hard belt that makes kimono stylists cry.
So, what are the different ways to tie a Maruobi?
Here are some typical Maruobi knots.
Otaiko Musubi
This is the most common way to tie an obi.
There are two types of Otaiko Musubi: "Hitoedaiko" with a single obi at the drum, and "Futaedaiko" with two obis at the drum.
Maruobi is often tied with a Hitoedaiko due to the length of the obi, but a skilled kimono stylist can also tie a Hutaedaiko knot for good luck.
Hikinuki Musubi
This knot for Maruobi was used from the Edo period to the Taisho period (1912-1926).
It is similar to the o-taiko knot, but the pattern is reversed.
Therefore, it is necessary to use a Maruobi designed for the Hikinuki Musubi.
Darari Musubi
The Darari Musubi is also known as a synonym for maiko.
Using a special Maruobi that is extremely long and heavy, this knot makes the front and back of the Maruobi look beautiful when the Maiko dances, and it is truly a knot that takes full advantage of the Maruobi's advantages.
History of Maruobi
Maruobi, invented in the Edo period (1603-1867), was valued as formal attire until before World War II.
Since the Showa period (1926-1989), Fukuro Obi, which are lighter than Maruobi, have become the mainstream, and production of Maruobi has gradually decreased.
Importance of preserving culture
In modern Japan, the kimono is no longer an everyday garment.
However, the kimono continues to occupy a special place in the hearts of the Japanese people and is worn for important occasions such as weddings and cultural events.
The Maruobi remains a symbolic obi that preserves the artistry and tradition of the kimono.
Craftspeople and enthusiasts alike are working to pass on the knowledge and skills necessary to make and wear Maruobi and other kimono accessories.
They are not only preserving Japanese culture, but also introducing the culture of the kimono and obi to people around the world who are fascinated by the elegance and history of the kimono.
Using Maruobi in Kimono Remakes
Maruobi can be remade into various fashions and accessories because of its unique characteristics.
Maruobi has a sense of dignity, and when remade into outerwear such as blousons and rider jackets, or into accessories such as bags, it brings out the best of its charm.
It is characterized by the same pattern on both the front and back sides, which can create a very gorgeous sense of luxury, and the dignity it exudes is "magnificent" in a word.
Conclusion
Maruobi is more than just a piece of obi; it is a symbol of Japan's rich culture, an embodiment of artistry, and a vessel for the expression of emotion and tradition.
With its exquisite design and high prestige, the Maruobi is a testament to the timeless appeal of the kimono and the traditional Japanese art of fashionable dressing.
The Maruobi weaves together tradition, symbolism, and the timeless charm of Japanese culture.