also: さび
noun
bumpy texture; grain; wrinkled surface
Refers to the uneven, crepe-like texture of materials, especially woven fabrics such as silk or crepe. Also used for similar textures in leather, paper, or other surfaces.
See also: 烏帽子
この絹の布は、しぼが細かくて美しい。
This silk fabric has a fine, beautiful texture.
革の表面に独特のしぼがある。
The leather surface has a distinctive grain.
noun
creases in an eboshi hat
Only with reading さび
Historical term for the characteristic folds or creases in a traditional eboshi hat. Rare and limited to discussions of historical Japanese clothing.
烏帽子の皺は、身分や場面によって形が異なった。
The creases (sabi) of an eboshi hat varied in shape depending on status and occasion.
しわ refers to wrinkles on skin, paper, or fabric, while しぼ specifically denotes the intentional bumpy texture of materials.
The reading しぼ is likely related to the verb しぼむ (to wither, to wrinkle), but the exact derivation is uncertain. The reading さび is obscure and may be a specialized historical term.