Ginkou Kimono Purse 4282B

Our stylish and functional purse, hand made from vintage kimono: use as a travel accessory, as it can accommodate passports and boarding passes, or as a colourful day time clutch clutch to hold your essentials.  The gingko purse features 6 divided internal sections, plus one zipped section, and credit card slots to keep everything together.

There are also loops inside from which you can clip and hang a chain or strap to turn this into a sling bag.

A collection of popular Japanese design motifs adorn this bright orange fabric, including ‘nadeshiko’, ‘tsubaki’, 'botan' and ‘kiku’ flowers, ‘ume’ blossom within Yukiwa, with ‘Matsu’.

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

Nadeshiko, Dianthus, or Pinks, is a symbol of femininity. Many womens’ groups or teams are called by this flower, including Japan women’s football team.  Tsubaki, The Camellia flower was historically part of the Japanese wedding tea ceremony, symbolising life and promise. They are notorious for flowering in November and December. 

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

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.

Yukiwa, snowflakes are usually represented by hexagonal shapes with scalloped borders.

Matsu, the Pine Tree, It is a hardy plant that symbolises strength and long life. Samurai often planted these trees: it was believed that the long needle-like leaves, Matsuba, protected them from demons.

The pattern of square ‘dots’ represents shibori, the Japanese miniature tie-dye technique.

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

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: 23cm x 13cm x 3cm