Hibi Kimono Purse 4261M

Our stylish and functional purse, hand made from vintage kimono. It has 4 inside pockets/sections, plus a zippered coin sections and 5 card slots in the main part. The bottom area opens out to give 4 more card slots and another pocket/section.

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

Fuji, wisteria, signifies love, support, sensitivity and tenderness.

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.

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. 

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

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.  

Momiji, maple leaves symbolise autumn. Japanese traditionally admire and revere autumnal leaves just as they celebrate blossom in the spring.

Closed fans also feature in this design. 'Sensu’ are the fans used in traditional dance performances, and are a symbol of prosperity as they grow in size when opened up.

The pattern 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: 20cm x 10cm x 2cm closed.
Opens to 20cm x 28cm x 2cm.