Roll Of Cloth For An Obi And Tortoise-Shell Hair Ornaments

This painting by Ryūryūkyo Shinsai is an elegant depiction of a roll of cloth intended for an obi, accompanied by tortoise-shell hair ornaments placed to its side. The obi, a wide sash worn with traditional Japanese kimono, is illustrated here in rich, deep blue tones adorned with a repeating pattern of stylized fans and butterflies—a design suggesting both beauty and refinement. These motifs are elegantly intermixed with botanical elements and an intricate design that may evoke a sense of nobility or ceremonial importance.The tortoise-shell hair ornaments, housed neatly in a long rectangular box, signify another aspect of traditional Japanese aesthetic, focusing on the fine and delicate. Tortoise-shell was prized for its durability and beautiful patterning, making it a popular material for hair accessories among women of status during the Edo period.The image is complemented by calligraphic text along the left side, which may further describe or allude to the context, history, or poetic significance of the objects presented. Overall, Shinsai's work here beautifully encapsulates elements of traditional Japanese culture, emphasizing not only the aesthetic but also the artisanal qualities of everyday items used in historical Japan.