This is a ``fukuro obi'' made by Takao Masuya in Nishijin, Kyoto.
After the war, Hiroshi Takao followed in the footsteps of his father, who passed away, and began his career in textiles at the age of 17, establishing the weaving shop Masuya Takao in 1960.
During his interactions with his uncle Kikujiro Takao, Shoji Hamada, Kanjiro Kawai, Tatsuaki Kuroda, etc.
He also started researching Shosoin textiles.
Then, in 1978, Hiroshi received a commission from the Tokugawa Art Museum, which was a turning point for him.

This is a request to restore the "Golden Fukusa" inherited from the Tokugawa family.
Fukusa, which has been around for more than 500 years, has deteriorated significantly, making reproduction extremely difficult.
Mr. Hiroshi was convinced that the most distinctive feature of the fukusa of this song was the "weft", and created a "nengane" thread, which is made by wrapping fine gold leaf around cotton threads of uneven thickness, and succeeded in successfully restoring it. .

Then, based on this technique and "Nenkin Thread", "Nenkin Tsuzuri Nishiki" is woven as obi material.
The naturally thick and thin cotton thread, the gold leaf is wrapped around the thin part without any gaps, and the color of the thread that could not be wrapped with the foil is revealed in the thick part.
Masuya Takao's signature Nenkin Tsuzuri Nishiki was born with its unique texture that quietly shines while maintaining complex shading.

The design has a somewhat exotic feel, typical of Takao Masuya, with soft, modern colors.
The formal pattern and modern color scheme blend well together, giving it a unique presence.

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