Japanese Contemporary Purple Black Silk Brocade Oshie Decorative Art

Oshie resembles a carefully crafted very intricate jigsaw puzzle comprising numerous pieces of kimono fabric padded with slightly differing thicknesses of cotton and painstakingly glued and ironed together to create an undulating three-dimensional picture. Highly detailed oshie pieces contain hundreds of small pieces that are expertly aligned to express subtle gradations in color, as well as light and shade. In the final process, facial features are painted in miniature-like exactitude. The end product is an awe-inspiring piece with a surprising three-dimensional effect.

The creator of this signed piece prides herself in using the finest quality antique and vintage kimono and obi fabrics to recreate the works of Japan’s most celebrated traditional paintings, notably in the bijin-ga (beautiful women) tradition.

This graceful oshie piece with breathtaking details depicts a lady of high standing caught in the snow and struggling to shelter herself from the elements with her regally appointed purple umbrella. Her pristine white headwear and broad obi that comes together to form a flowing trail of brocade speak of her life of privilege, as do the tortoise-shell ornamental hairpins designed to keep her elaborate coiffure in place. The grey tufts that peak from her sleeves tell us that she came prepared for the cold, if not for the snow. With each graceful step she takes, the folds of her multi-layered kimono are exposed, creating a suggestive scene that communicates her surprise at the sudden change in weather and the snow that is quickly gathering on her umbrella. The frame is not included. This stunning piece can be displayed on a stand or be framed to decorate a wall.

Note the finely painted face and the umbrella painstakingly and time-consumingly painted to convey subtle gradations in color to express the delicate details of an elegant Japanese umbrella, snow appearing on the center.

Dimensions: W 32 in D 18.5 in H 2 in