Obi with “Whose Sleeves?” (Tagasode) Pattern

Obi with “Whose Sleeves?” (Tagasode) Pattern

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

A masterpiece of complex brocade weaving, this brightly colored obi, or sash, has a repeat pattern of kosode hung from silken cords. It evokes the traditional Tagasode (or "whose sleeves?") screen paintings of the Momoyama period (1568–1615), intended to pique interest in the woman who wore such evocative robes.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Obi with “Whose Sleeves?” (Tagasode) PatternObi with “Whose Sleeves?” (Tagasode) PatternObi with “Whose Sleeves?” (Tagasode) PatternObi with “Whose Sleeves?” (Tagasode) PatternObi with “Whose Sleeves?” (Tagasode) Pattern

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. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.