Kuukou Folding Wristlet Clutch 4299K

Our best selling clutch, hand made from vintage kimono: use as a stylish travel accessory, as it can accommodate a few passports, or a functional 'throw in and go' folding clutch to hold a few essentials on a night out. 

A sweet collection of popular Japanese design motifs adorn this fabric, including 'ume' blossom, ‘Kiku’, ‘botan’, ‘ayame. ‘tsubaki and ‘kikyo’ flowers

Kiku, the chrysanthemum, is the flower of the Imperial House and and often used icon of Japan itself (it features on Japanese passports).  It represents rejuvenation and longevity.

Botan, the peony is called 'king of flowers' in Japan.

Tsubaki, the camellia flower, was historically part of the Japanese wedding tea ceremony, symbolising life and promise.

Ayame, iris, is widely admired in Japan. It is a sign of strength and the sword shaped leaves are symbols of warriors in the past.

Japanese meaning of Kikyo is Pentagram, as the Bellflower has five petals. It is an important symbol in Taoism as each petal represents an element: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. It is a common ‘mon’ family crest.

Ume, the Plum Blossom is a very popular symbol on fabrics. It is a favourite within the range of Japanese designs: it’s beauty and fragrance has been reflected in many poems. It is the first of the year to bloom, and therefore represents endurance. It became a symbol of good fortune, as is used for New Year decorations.

The pattern is printed on a rinzu silk, a damask silk woven with a grid pattern, to give extra texture to the kimono fabric.  The design is further enhanced by gold printed elements.

This vintage kimono was sourced from the Osaka area of Japan.  It is approximately 20-30 years old.

 Handmade by self help groups in Cambodia.

Dimensions: 24cm x 13cm