Japanese Silk Panels

This is one panel (37" X 11") of a set of 4 that looks like woven silk and seems to depict a journey or pilgrimage. I'm posting one overall picture and two front and two back close-ups.
Are the figures drawn in? The face details and bodies look like they are outlined in ink and there is a big difference in the faces of the figures on the right side and under side of the fabric.
Is there any where else I can go to research this or to find out any more about it?

 

Don't know too much about the technique, but I think it is an 'obi', a waistband for traditional Japanese clothing. Hope that helps in your research.

 

This is how it is worn.

And these people sell some vintage ones:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/502354726/vintage-silk-obi-fabric?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=silk+obi&ref=sc_gallery_4&plkey=45fe57c5767a52ea1c29a66cf4be6c21fd5bf3a7:502354726

 

Thanks for the lead, any jewelry. I don't think I ever thought of an obi with scenery as a design. Will look around some more in that direction.

 

I don't think this is an obi because it is too small at 37" long...most are over 100" in length.

The owner of this item told me this was Japanese so that's where I'd been looking. However, I've stumbled across antique Chinese Kesi/Kossu 19th century panels that are very similar in style, size, and design elements.
Any thoughts on this direction?

 

Interesting, you could be onto something.
I mainly know Kesi weaving from those gorgeous panels on Chinese robes, etc.
I have checked, and there are scenes like this one woven in the Kesi technique, although the shading is usually more gradual in those, not with the interspersed lines like this panel. But it is certainly worth considering.

 

I know nothing about this type of weaving but the ones in the link have the same look to the fabric and dyes, the same striated shading, ink drawn facial details, and gold thread embroidered highlights. The sizes also seem to run about the same. I've found others that are four panel narrative sets like the ones I'm researching.

http://www.zentnercollection.com/items/1263643/Antique-Chinese-Silk-Kesi-Panel

 

This is a more complete search link that I meant to attach.

http://www.zentnercollection.com/se...&listtype=thumb&group=zentner&fromtrocadero=1

 

Congratulations, you've got it! Didn't need me at all, although it is nice to bounce ideas off someone.
As I said before, keep your listings coming, I love them.

 

Hi, you might want to contact Hamid Tavakoli at Textilesasart. He is an amazing expert and I have had the opportunity to get his opinions on 2 different items in the past. He will give you a brief free appraisal. Make sure to take a full shot picture of where the panels begin & end, because, I too thought these were Obi's at first glance. Also take a pic of all 4 panels, and let him know any other info you have.
Here is the site, they are in New York. The textiles in this site are amazing too.
http://www.textileasart.com/hamid.htm

and here is the page with instructions on how to inquire
http://www.textileasart.com/service.htm

They were very quick with getting back to me in the past, I don't know about weekends, but I do remember it was quick within hours of my inquiry. Good luck

 

Nice! It does look like what you have. I would probably still contact the expert, if you are looking to sell, because at least you can get confirmation of what you have and an approx age, value, etc.

 

Very nice link, tyeldom.

 

Thank you, they really are amazing. All their services are free too, which is really rare this day & age, LOL. I love looking at all the goodies on the site, and would love to find some of those on my treasure hunts!

 

Thanks for the link, Tyeldom. I don't have all four with me but will certainly contact them when I can sometime in the future. I will be checking with the nearby auction house in New Orleans as well.